Classical Conditioning
Association between two stimuli resulting in a learned response
Acquisition
the process of pairing the UCS with the CS
Extinction conditioned
response decreases or disappears (no longer paired with unconditioned stimulus)
Spontaneous Recovery
return of previously extinct conditioned response after a rest period
Stimulus Discrimination
the ability to differentiate between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli
Operant Conditioning
learning through rewards and punishments for behavior
Reinforcing Stimulus
strengthens or increases the behavior it follows
Positive (+) Reinforcement
add something good, behavior increases as a result
Negative (-) Reinforcement
remove something bad, behavior increases as a result
Punishment Stimulus
presentation of an negative consequence that causes a decrease in the behavior
Positive (+) Punishment
add something bad, behavior decreases
Negative (-) Punishment
remove something good, behavior decreases
Schedules of Reinforcement
timing of how often a desired response will be reinforced
Fixed-Ratio
response is reinforced only after a specific number of responses
Fixed-Interval Schedules
response is rewarded only after a specified amount of time has elapsed
Variable-Interval Schedules
response is rewarded after an unpredictable amount of time has passed
Latent Learning
one can learn something but not show the behavior right away
Insight Learning
sudden realization of the problem’s solution that “just came to you” (Kohler)
Learned Helplessness
organism becomes helpless after learning they have no ability to change the outcome (Seligman)
Unconditioned response
Natural, unlearned reaction to a stimulus.
Unconditioned stimulus
A stimulus that naturally triggers a response without prior conditioning.
Neutral stimulus
A stimulus that initially doesn't trigger a response until it's paired with an unconditioned stimulus.
Conditioned stimulus
A previously neutral stimulus that, after being paired with an unconditioned stimulus, triggers a conditioned response.
Conditioned response
Learned response to a previously neutral stimulus.
Stimulus generalization
Responding to similar stimuli as if they were the conditioned stimulus.
Reinforcement
Any event that increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again.
Premack Principle
Using a preferred activity to reinforce a less preferred one.
Continuous reinforcement
Reinforcing a behavior every time it occurs.
Shaping
Gradually molding behavior toward a desired outcome through reinforcement of successive approximations.
Intermittent reinforcement
Reinforcing a behavior occasionally, making it more resistant to extinction.
Fixed Ratio Schedule
Reinforcement occurs after a set number of responses.
Variable Ratio Schedule
Reinforcement occurs after an unpredictable number of responses.
Punishment
Any event that decreases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again.
Observational learning
Learning by observing others' behaviors and their outcomes.