Unit 7 - Learning

Classical conditioning

learning to associate two stimuli and thus anticipate events. Linking of two events that occur close together.

Unconditional response

automatic response to stimulus (not conditioned)

unconditioned stimulus

natural emotion that is associated with a stimulus

Neutral stimulus

neutral until conditioning occurs

conditioned response

learned response to a stimulus that used to be neutral

conditioned stimulus

something that used to elicit no response, but now prompts a conditioned response

watson’s thoughts on behaviour and emotions

that behaviours and emotions are mainly conditioned responses

Operant conditioning

learning to associate our own behaviour with a consequence.

Law of effect

behaviours followed by favourable consequences will become more likely (reinforcement)

reinforcement

any event that strengthens a preceding response

shaping

reinforcers gradually guide behaviour closer to desired behaviour

primary reinforcer

satisfies a biological need

Conditioned reinforcer

stimulus that gains reinforcing power by being associated with the primary reinforcer

extinction

occurs when no reinforcer for too long. Prevent extinction by implementing partial reinforcement

Positive reinforcement

strengthens behaviour by giving something pleasurable directly after a good behaviour

Negative reinforcement

strengthens behaviour by removing something negative

Continuous reinforcement

learning occurs rapidly.

Partial (intermittent) reinforcement

responses are sometimes reinforced, sometimes not. Learning is slower but more resistant to extinction

ratio schedule

every so many

interval schedule

every so often

fixed-ratio schedules

reinforce behaviour after a set number of responses

Fixed-interval schedules

reinforce behaviour after a fixed time

Variable-ratio schedules

reinforces behaviour after an unpredictable number (eg gambling, fishing) can be addictive.

Variable-interval schedule

reinforces behaviour after an unpredictable amount of time. (eg getting notifications)

punishment

reduces unwanted behaviour. Two types (pos and neg)

Negative punishment

removing a desired stimulus (eg no tv)

Positive punishment

presenting a negative consequence (eg spanking) (usually worse. often backfires in a number of ways)

operant behaviour

behaviour that operates on the environment to produce rewarding or punishing stimuli