The Psychology of Learning - Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on learning theories (classical conditioning, operant conditioning, observational learning, and related topics).

Classical Conditioning

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically elicits an unconditioned response (UCR).

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

The natural response to an unconditioned stimulus (UCS)

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

A stimulus that initially produces no specific response until it is paired with an UCS.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after pairing with the UCS, elicits a learned response (CR).

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to the conditioned stimulus.

Acquisition (Classical Conditioning)

Phase during which the CS and UCS are paired, leading to the CR.

Contiguity

The timing between the CS and UCS; Pavlov found about 0.5 seconds ideal for conditioning.

Contingency

The predictability that the UCS will follow the CS.

Extinction (Classical Conditioning)

The CR diminishes or disappears when the CS is repeatedly presented without the UCS.

Spontaneous Recovery

Reappearance of a previously extinguished CR after a rest period.

Stimulus Generalisation

The CR is elicited by stimuli similar to the CS.

Stimulus Discrimination

The ability to distinguish between similar stimuli so the CR does not occur to non-target stimuli.

Taste Aversion (Example)

Rapid learning to avoid a food after illness, often with long delays; aided by biological preparedness.

Biological Preparedness

Evolutionary predisposition to form certain associations that promote survival.

Preparedness

General idea that organisms are predisposed to form certain associations; often used interchangeably with biological preparedness.

Little Albert

11-month-old used by Watson and Raynor to show conditioned fear in a human infant; ethically controversial.

Observational Learning

Learning by watching others and then imitating their behavior

Classical Conditioning

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.

Vicarious Reinforcement

Learning that occurs when a model’s rewarded behavior increases the likelihood of imitation.

Vicarious Punishment

Learning that occurs when a model’s punished behavior decreases imitation.

Mirror Neurons

Brain cells that activate both when you do something and when you watch someone else do the same thing; key for learning by observing.

Bandura’s Bobo Doll Experiment

Children exposed to aggressive or non-aggressive models showed corresponding behaviors; gender effects observed.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process in which the strength of a behavior is modified by consequences following the behavior.

Reinforcement

A consequence that strengthens a behavior and encourages it to occur again.

Positive Reinforcement

Introduction of a pleasant stimulus to increase/encourage a behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase/encourage a behavior.

Aversive Punishment

Also called positive punishment; adding an unpleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior.

Response Cost

Also called negative punishment; removing a pleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior.

Fixed Interval

Reinforcement after a fixed/certain amount of time.

Variable Interval

Reinforcement after varying/random amounts of time.

Fixed Ratio

Reinforcement after a fixed/certain number of responses.

Variable Ratio

Reinforcement after an unpredictable/random number of responses.

Continuous Reinforcement

Reinforcement that occurs after every correct response; fast learning but less persistent.

Partial Reinforcement

Reinforcement that only occurs some of the time; leads to greater resistance to extinction.

Systematic Desensitisation

Therapy using relaxation training and a fear hierarchy to gradually reduce phobic responses.

Hierarchy of Fears

A list from least to most fearful situations used in systematic desensitisation.

Behavior Modification

Therapy based on operant conditioning to change behaviors long-term without punishment.

Learned Helplessness

State where uncontrollable aversive events lead to passive behavior and reduced learning in new situations.

Placebo Effect

Improvement in symptoms due to belief in treatment, not the treatment itself; linked to expectations.