Learning PS 101

A set of flashcards covering key concepts and definitions related to learning in psychology, focusing on classical and operant conditioning.

Conditioning

The process of learning the relationship between two distinct stimuli, actions, and/or events.

Classical Conditioning

Primarily unconscious associations formed between two stimuli.

Operant Conditioning

Associations formed between actions and their outcomes.

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

A stimulus that initially does not elicit a response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

The unlearned, naturally occurring response to the unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to a previously neutral stimulus.

Stimulus Generalization

The tendency for the conditioned response to be evoked by stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Stimulus Discrimination

The learned ability to distinguish between similar stimuli.

Extinction

The reduction and elimination of the conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of the conditioned response after a pause following extinction.

Reinforcement

Consequences that strengthen or reinforce behaviors.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a stimulus that is likely to increase the reoccurrence of a behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing a stimulus that is undesirable to increase the likelihood of a behavior.

Punishment

Consequences that will weaken behaviors.

Positive Punishment

Adding a stimulus that is likely to decrease the reoccurrence of a behavior.

Negative Punishment

Removing a stimulus that is wanted to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.

Fixed Interval

Reinforcement schedule where a response is rewarded after a specified amount of time.

Variable Interval

Reinforcement schedule where a response is rewarded after an unpredictable amount of time has passed.

Fixed Ratio

Reinforcement schedule where a response is rewarded after a specified number of responses.

Variable Ratio

Reinforcement schedule where a response is rewarded after an unpredictable number of responses.

Associative Learning

The process of learning the relationship between two distinct stimuli, actions, and/or events.

Observational Learning

Learning through observing the behavior of others.

Modeling

A form of observational learning where an individual imitates the behavior of another.

Mirror Neurons

Neurons that are activated when we perform an action and when we observe someone else perform that action.

Bobo Doll Experiment

Bandura's experiment that demonstrated observational learning and modeling.

Behavioral Consequences

The responses that follow a behavior, impacting the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

Learning Goals

Objectives outlining what students should understand and be able to explain.

Schedules of Reinforcement

Different ways in which reinforcement can be delivered based on timing or response.

Pavlovian Conditioning

Another term for classical conditioning, based on Ivan Pavlov's experiments.

Thorndike's Law of Effect

Behaviors followed by favorable outcomes are more likely to be repeated.

Skinner Box

A controlled environment used by B.F. Skinner to study operant conditioning.