Behaviorism and Learning

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to behaviorism and learning, including definitions and examples.

Learning

A change in behavior that occurs because of experience.

Observable Action

According to behaviorists, psychological studies should focus on acts that can be observed.

Conditioned Stimulus

In classical conditioning, a neutral stimulus that becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus.

Unconditioned Response

A naturally occurring response to an unconditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of a conditioned response after extinction.

Extinction

The weakening and eventual disappearance of a learned response when the unconditioned stimulus is no longer presented.

Higher Order Conditioning

A procedure in which a neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus through association with an already conditioned stimulus.

Stimulus Generalization

A phenomenon where a conditioned response becomes associated with stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Stimulus Discrimination

The ability to differentiate between the conditioned stimulus and other similar stimuli.

Counter Conditioning

A behavioral therapy technique that replaces an unwanted response to a stimulus with a wanted response.

Systematic Desensitization

A step-by-step process used to reduce anxiety or fear by gradually exposing the individual to the feared object or situation.

Instinctive Drift

The tendency for an organism to revert to its innate, instinctive behaviors.

Operant Conditioning

A type of learning where behavior is controlled by consequences such as rewards or punishments.

Reinforcement

Any event that strengthens or increases the likelihood of a behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

The addition of a reinforcing stimulus following a behavior, increasing the likelihood of that behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

The removal of an aversive stimulus to strengthen a behavior.

Punishment

An action that decreases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Observational Learning

Learning that occurs by observing the behavior of others.