Changing Directions in the Study of Conditioning

Flashcards on Classical Conditioning

Conditioned Taste Aversion

Aversion to food that has been followed by nausea from illness, alcohol intoxication, or food poisoning.

Sauce Béarnaise Syndrome

An aversion developed to a specific food (like sauce béarnaise) after it has been associated with nausea or illness.

Preparedness

Species-specific predispositions to be conditioned in certain ways and not others due to evolutionary factors.

Latent Learning

Learning that is not apparent from behavior when it first occurs, suggesting learning can take place without reinforcement.

Cognitive Map

A mental representation of the spatial layout of an environment, suggesting cognitive processes play a role in conditioning.

Signal Relations

The idea that environmental stimuli serve as signals, and better signals allow for more accurate prediction of the unconditioned stimulus.

Non-contingent Reinforcement

Accidental reinforcement of a response that strengthens it even though it didn't cause the reinforcement, potentially leading to superstitious behavior.

Superstitious Behavior

Quirky responses or rituals that individuals develop due to accidental reinforcement, often seen in situations with uncertainty or evaluation.