AP Psych U4 AP Exam

Learning

The relatively permanent or stable change in behavior as the result of experience.

Associated with changes in connections within nervous system

Classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and social learning

Nonassociative learning

An organism is repeatedly exposed to one type of stimulus.

Sensitization

One type of nonassociative learning; increase in responsiveness due to repeated application of an aversive or noxious stimulus.

Desensitization

Decreased responsiveness to an aversive stimulus after repeated exposure.

Desensitization therapy

Usage of desensitization to deal with irrational fears and phobias.

Systematic desensitization

Becoming desensitized to certain stimuli through methodical exposure to the stimuli in controlled environments.

Classical conditioning

A learning process first described by Ivan Pavlov.

Classical conditioning

Conditioned stimulus (CS)

The initially neutral stimulus in classical conditioning.

Classical conditioning

Unconditioned stimulus (UCS)

The initially meaningful stimulus in classical conditioning.

Classical conditioning

Conditioned response (CR)

The response that is created after conditioning.

Classical conditioning

Unconditioned response (UCR)

The response that is initially a given and is natural.

Forward conditioning

CS is presented before the UCS; the most efficient conditioning.

Most efficient conditioning

Divided into delay conditioning and trace conditioning

Forward conditioning

Delay conditioning

CS is present until the UCS begins.

Forward conditioning

Trace conditioning

CS is removed some time before the UCS is presented.

Generalization

The process of extending conditioned response to stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Discrimination

Being able to distinguish two similar stimuli and not responding to similar stimuli.

Acquisition

When the conditioned stimulus alone can elicit a response without an unconditioned stimulus present.

Extinction

The loss of the conditioned stimulus's ability to elicit a response.

Spontaneous recovery

The original response disappearing by itself and reappearing in the presence of the conditioned stimulus.

Second-order conditioning

When the previous CS is used as the UCS in a new round of classical conditioning.

Contiguity approach

The belief that conditioning occurred because the two stimuli were presented in time.

Contingency approach

The UCS leads to the CS being approached.

Operant conditioning

A learning process associated with B.F. Skinner was the main pioneer.

Also called instrumental conditioning

refers to a learning process where behaviors are modified by their consequences.

Operant conditioning

Shaping

Rewarding each step in the process of attaining a desired behavior.

Natural reinforcement

Some behavior that does not require learning to do.

Primary reinforcement

Reinforcers that are inherently satisfying, such as food, water, and sex.

Secondary reinforcement

Things that can lead to gaining primary reinforcers.

Punishment

Positive: Giving something that is bad

Negative: taking away something that is good.

Reinforcement

Positive: Giving something that is good

Negative: taking away something that is bad.

Omission training

Decrease the frequency of behavior by withholding reward until desired behavior is demonstrated.

Schedule of reinforcement

Frequency with which an organism receives reinforcement.

Variable Ratio

Amount of reinforcement for a behavior is changing (slot machine) - strongest.

Fixed Ratio

Amount of reinforcement is fixed for a certain number of responses - 2nd strongest.

Variable Interval

Amount of reinforcement for a behavior is at random times - 3rd strongest.

Fixed Interval

Amount of reinforcement occurs every certain time interval - weakest.

Escape

Individual learns to get away from a stimulus by engaging a particular behavior.

Avoidance

Performing a behavior to ensure that a stimulus doesn't occur.

Behavior modification

A combination of reinforcement and punishment to change a behavior.

Token economy

An artificial economy based on tokens that act as secondary reinforcement.

Learned helplessness

Consistent efforts don't bring rewards resulting subject stopping trying.

Neuromodulators

Strengthen synapses between sensory neurons and motor neurons.

Long-term potentiation

A steady change in behavior caused by an influx of new experiences.

Social learning

Learning that occurs through observing others, associated with Albert Bandura.

Observational learning

Vicarious learning

Bobo Doll Experiment

Modeling

Learning and shaping one's own behavior based on the behaviors observed in role models.

Social and emotional learning

Programs designed to help students learn empathy and conflict resolution.

Conditioned taste aversion

An oddly strong form of conditioning that lasts extremely long, longer than classical and operant conditioning.

Works best with tasting bad food and never eating it again

Cognitive map

Mental representation of physical locations.

Latent learning

Learning that is not outwardly shown until it is tested or called for.

Biofeedback

People learning to alter their physiological responses until they are able to solve the attempted problem.