Learning Theories and Conditioning

These flashcards cover key concepts related to learning theories, classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement and punishment, cognitive learning, and observational learning.

Learning

A relatively permanent change in behavior brought about by experience or practice.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired, leading to a learned response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response, such as food.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

An automatic, unlearned response to a UCS, such as salivation.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after association with the UCS, triggers a response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

A learned response to the conditioned stimulus.

Acquisition

The initial learning phase when the conditioned stimulus is paired with the unconditioned stimulus.

Extinction

The process where the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus, causing the conditioned response to weaken.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of the conditioned response after extinction and a rest period.

Stimulus Generalization

Responding to stimuli that are similar to the original conditioned stimulus.

Stimulus Discrimination

Responding only to the specific conditioned stimulus.

Operant Conditioning

Learning in which voluntary behavior is shaped by its consequences.

Law of Effect

Behaviors followed by favorable consequences are more likely to occur again.

Reinforcement

A consequence that strengthens a behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

Presenting something desirable to increase behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing something unpleasant to increase behavior.

Primary Reinforcers

Naturally reinforcing stimuli, such as food and water.

Secondary Reinforcers

Stimuli that acquire their reinforcing value through association, such as money and grades.

Punishment

A consequence that decreases or weakens behavior.

Punishment by Application

Adding something unpleasant to decrease a behavior.

Punishment by Removal

Taking away something pleasant to decrease a behavior.

Schedules of Reinforcement

Patterns that determine when a behavior will be reinforced.

Fixed Ratio (FR)

A reinforcement schedule that provides rewards after a set number of responses.

Variable Ratio (VR)

A reinforcement schedule that provides rewards after a varying number of responses.

Fixed Interval (FI)

A reinforcement schedule that provides rewards after a set amount of time has passed.

Variable Interval (VI)

A reinforcement schedule that provides rewards after varying time intervals.

Shaping

Reinforcing successive approximations toward a desired behavior.

Token Economy

A system where tokens are earned for desired behavior and exchanged for rewards.

Latent Learning

Learning that occurs without immediate behavioral change.

Learned Helplessness

A learned belief that one has no control over outcomes.

Insight Learning

Sudden realization of a solution without trial-and-error.

Observational Learning

Learning that occurs through observing the behavior of others.

Bobo Doll Study

An experiment by Albert Bandura demonstrating that children imitate aggressive behavior observed in adults.

AMID Model

A framework in observational learning consisting of Attention, Memory, Imitation, and Desire (Motivation).