Behaviorism/Learning Quizlet

Classical Conditioning

a type of learning in which one learns to link two or more stimuli and anticipate events

Operant Conditioning

a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher

trial and error

A problem-solving strategy that involves attempting different solutions and eliminating those that do not work. Takes a long time and could give up.

Social Learning

process of altering behavior by observing and imitating the behavior of others

Albert Bandura

pioneer in observational learning (AKA social learning), stated that people profit from the mistakes/successes of others; Studies: Bobo Dolls-adults demonstrated 'appropriate' play with dolls, children mimicked play

B.F. Skinner

Behaviorist that developed the theory of operant conditioning by training pigeons and rats

Ivan Pavlov

discovered classical conditioning; trained dogs to salivate at the ringing of a bell

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

in classical conditioning, a stimulus that unconditionally—naturally and automatically—triggers a response.

unconditioned response (UR)

In classical conditioning, the unlearned, naturally occurring response to the unconditioned stimulus (US), such as salivation when food is in the mouth.

neutral stimulus (NS)

in classical conditioning, a stimulus that elicits no response before conditioning

Conditioned Response (CR)

in classical conditioning, the learned response to a previously neutral (but now conditioned) stimulus (CS)

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

in classical conditioning, an originally irrelevant stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus (US), comes to trigger a conditioned response.

positive reinforcement

increasing behaviors by presenting a desired stimulus. A positive reinforcer is any stimulus that, when presented after a response, strengthens the response.

negative reinforcement

Increasing behaviors by stopping or reducing an undesireable stimuli, such as shock. A negative reinforcer is any stimulus that, when removed after a response, strengthens the response. (Note: negative reinforcement is not punishment.)

positive punishment

Giving a stimulus to decrease the behavior

negative punishment

the removal of a desired stimulus to decrease the probability of a behavior's recurring

Positive Reinforcement - Example

student earns A in psych, mother pays him 10$

goal behavior- increase good grades

Negative Reinforcement - Example

He has a headache (undesirable), takes an aspirin which takes away the headache (bad stimulus)

goal behavior- begin to feel better

positive punishment example

a coach makes a team sprint because of a bad practice

negative punishment example

taking away a car for too many parking tickets

Conditioned Stimulus - example

A bell ringing that is paired with the delivery of food and now the dog salivates at the sound of the bell

Neutral Stimulus - example

bell ringing prior to conditioning and there is no behavioral response

Conditioned Response Example

dog salivating at the sound of bell when no food is present

unconditioned stimulus example

presenting a dog with food

unconditioned response example

dogs mouth watering (salivating) after seeing food

shaping behavior

the process of guiding learning in graduated steps using reinforcement or lack of reinforcement