Learning Theories and Applications

Flashcards related to classical conditioning, Pavlov, Little Albert experiment, operant conditioning, schedules of reinforcement, punishment, social learning theory, observational learning, behavior modification, systematic desensitization and token economies.

Classical Conditioning

Learning through pairing or association of two stimuli, leading to a conditioned response.

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

A stimulus that initially does not elicit a specific response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally and consistently triggers a reflexive response.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

An unlearned, reflexive, and involuntary response to an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, triggers a conditioned response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

A learned, reflexive response to a conditioned stimulus.

Extinction

The weakening and eventual disappearance of a conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a period of rest.

Stimulus Generalization

Responding to stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus with the conditioned response.

Stimulus Discrimination

Responding only to the conditioned stimulus and not to similar stimuli.

Pavlov's Dogs Experiment

Demonstrated classical conditioning by training dogs to salivate at the sound of a bell associated with food.

Little Albert Experiment

Watson and Rayner's experiment demonstrating that fear can be classically conditioned in humans.

Operant Conditioning

Learning in which behavior is controlled by its consequences (reinforcement and punishment).

Law of Effect

Behaviors followed by pleasant consequences are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors followed by unpleasant consequences are less likely to be repeated.

Reinforcement

A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a pleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior.

Punishment

A consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior.

Positive Punishment

Adding an aversive stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.

Negative Punishment (Response Cost)

Removing a desirable stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.

Continuous Reinforcement

Reinforcing every correct response.

Intermittent Reinforcement

Reinforcing some, but not all, correct responses.

Fixed Interval Schedule (FI)

Reinforcing the first correct response after a fixed amount of time.

Variable Interval Schedule (VI)

Reinforcing a correct response after an unpredictable amount of time.

Fixed Ratio Schedule (FR)

Reinforcing a response after a fixed number of correct responses.

Variable Ratio Schedule (VR)

Reinforcing a response after an unpredictable number of correct responses.

Observational Learning

Learning by watching the behavior of others and the consequences of those behaviors.

Social Learning Theory

People acquire behaviors by watching and learning from role models.

Modeling

Copying the behavior or attitude demonstrated by another person.

Vicarious Reinforcement

More likely to engage in a behavior if witnessing another being rewarded for that behavior.

Behavior Modification

The systematic use of reinforcement and punishment to modify unwanted behaviors.

Systematic Desensitization

Classical conditioning procedure to replace fear response with relaxation response.

Token Economies

Reinforcing desired responses with tokens that can be exchanged for secondary reinforcers.