Unit 4 Part 2 Vocab Bordelon

fixed-ratio schedule

in operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified number of responses

variable-ratio schedule

in operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses

fixed-interval schedule

in operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed

variable-interval schedule

in operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals

punishment

an event that tends to decrease the behavior that it follows

biofeedback

a system for electronically recording, amplifying and feeding back information regarding a subtle physiological state, such as blood pressure or muscle tension

respondent behavior

behavior that occurs as an automatic response to some stimulus

operant behavior

behavior that operates on the environment producing consequences

cognitive map

a mental representation of the layout of ones environment. for example after exploring a maze, rats act as if they have learned a cognitive map of it

latent learning

learning that occurs but is not apparent until there is an incentive to demonstrate it

insight

a sudden realization of a problems solution

intrinsic motivation

a desire to perform a behavior effectively for its own sake

extrinsic motivation

a desire to perform a behavior to receive promised rewards or avoid threatened punishment

coping

alleviating stress using emotional, cognitive, or behavioral methods

problem-focusing coping

attempting to alleviate stress directly--by changing the stressor or the way that we interact with that stressor

emotion-focused coping

attempting to alleviate stress by avoiding or ignoring a stressor and attending to emotional needs related to ones stress reaction

learned helplesness

the hopelessness and passive resignation an animal or human learns when unable to avoid repeated aversive events

external locus of control

the perception that chance or outside forces beyond our personal control determine our fate

internal locus of control

the perception that you control your own fate

self-control

the ability to control impulses and delay short-term gratification for greater long-term rewards

observational learning

learning by observing others. also called social learning

modeling

the process of observing and imitating a specific behavior

mirror neurons

frontal lobe neurons that some scientists believe fire when performing certain actions or when observing another doing so. the brains mirroring of another's action may enable imitation and empathy

prosocial behavior

positive, constructive, helpful behavior. the opposite of antisocial behavior

antisocial behavior

behavior that is classified as being against social and cultural norms