Cognitive vs Behavioral Approaches and Learning Concepts

Flashcards covering core ideas from a lecture on cognitive vs. behavioral approaches, learning, memory representations, contiguity, and everyday examples.

What is the cognitive approach's proposed cause of behavior?

Internal thoughts and mental processes (what's going on inside the head).

What is the behavioral approach's focus?

Changes in observable behavior driven by environmental factors.

What is contiguity?

The principle that two things that occur together in time or space become associated.

Are associations learned or innate according to the notes?

Learned; there is no inherent (innate) association like peanut butter and jelly.

How is memory described in the notes?

As an internal representation or 'slide show' of past experiences.

In cognitive terms, is learning directly observable?

No; learning is the formation of internal associations, not directly observable.

What distinction is made between reflexes/instincts and learned behavior?

Reflexes/instincts are rigid and automatic; learned behavior involves flexible associations formed through experience.

What does the symbol delta refer to in these notes?

Changes (in behavior or in variables during an experiment).

What criterion is given for evaluating explanations of behavior?

If a proposed cause cannot explain the behavior, discard that explanation.

How do the behavioral and cognitive approaches view the role of the environment?

Behaviorism emphasizes environmental factors causing changes; cognition considers internal processes but still acknowledges environmental triggers.

How is the peanut butter and jelly example used in the notes?

To illustrate that associations are learned through repeated co-occurrence, not inherent.

What is the cognitive view on hunger in the notes?

Hunger is treated as a cognitive concept, with stomach signals contributing but the experience linked to internal representation.

What happens if you can't transfer a learned response to a new situation?

It suggests you may not have truly learned the behavior.

What does the cognitive definition say about observational learning?

Learning is the formation of associations; we do not directly observe the learning process.

How might a chain of associations explain speech or thought sequences?

The first word is associated with the next word, forming a chained sequence of responses.

What driving behavior example is mentioned, and what should you not do at green?

Don’t sit and wait at a green light; you should go.

What does memory-as-representation imply about recalling past experiences?

Memory is an internal representation, not a direct presentation of past events.

What does contiguity imply about stimuli across individuals in similar contexts?

Similar stimuli in similar contexts tend to elicit similar responses due to shared associations.

Which field is referenced when the colleague teaches 'Physios'?

A physiology-brain oriented perspective on psychology.