Learning 7-9 percent

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.