The Study of Learning & Behavior: Part 1

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions from the lecture notes on the study of learning and behavior.

What is science formally defined as?

The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation.

What are the four assumptions of the natural science approach in the study of learning and behavior?

Natural phenomena have causes, behaviors have a cause, causes precede their effects, and behaviors occur following the event that causes them.

What does behavior formally refer to?

The way in which an animal or person acts in response to a particular situation or stimulus.

How is learning typically measured in the study of behavior?

By methods such as reduction in errors, changes in topography, intensity, speed, latency, rate, and fluency.

What is meant by reduction in errors in the context of learning?

Reduction in entries into the 'wrong' arm of the maze or incorrect responses.

What does a change in topography measure in behavioral studies?

The form of behavior shown through improvements over time, such as tracing a star while looking in a mirror.

How is intensity measured in the context of learned behavior?

By measuring the force exerted by an organism during a particular action, such as pressing a lever.

What does a decrease in the average time to run a maze indicate?

Learning or proficiency in the behavior being measured.

What does latency refer to in behavioral studies?

The delay before a response occurs, which often shortens as learning progresses.

What is fluency in the context of learning measurement?

A measure that combines errors and rate to assess the number of correct responses per minute.