Operant Conditioning and Observational Learning

Flashcards covering key concepts in operant conditioning and observational/social learning from the lecture notes.

Operant Conditioning

A type of learning where the consequences of behavior determine the probability of that behavior occurring again.

Reinforcement

A consequence that increases the frequency of a desirable behavior.

Punishment

A consequence that decreases the frequency of an undesirable behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

Applying a stimulus to increase a desired behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing a stimulus to increase a desired behavior.

Positive Punishment

Applying a stimulus to decrease an undesirable behavior.

Negative Punishment

Removing a stimulus to decrease an undesirable behavior.

Primary Reinforcers

Natural reinforcers that do not require learning (e.g., food, water).

Secondary Reinforcers

Conditioned reinforcers that require learning and are often associated with primary reinforcers.

Shaping

The process of reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior in order to teach a complex behavior.

Premack Principle

The principle stating that preferred behaviors can serve as reinforcers for less preferred behaviors.

Schedules of Reinforcement

The rules that determine how and when reinforcements will be given.

Continuous Reinforcement

Rewarding a behavior after every occurrence.

Intermittent Reinforcement

Rewarding a behavior only after some occurrences.

Observational Learning

Learning that occurs by watching others, without direct reinforcement.

Bandura's Bobo Doll Experiment

An experiment demonstrating observational learning and vicarious reinforcement.