Learning AP Psych

Learning

The process of acquiring new knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, or preferences.

Habituation

The gradual reduction in the strength or frequency of a response to a repeated stimulus.

Associative Learning

Learning that involves forming connections or associations between stimuli or behaviors.

Classical Conditioning

A type of learning in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus and acquires the capacity to elicit a similar response.

Unconditioned Response (UR)

In classical conditioning, the naturally occurring response to an unconditioned stimulus.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

In classical conditioning, a stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

In classical conditioning, the learned response to a previously neutral stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

In classical conditioning, a previously neutral stimulus that, after becoming associated with the unconditioned stimulus, triggers a conditioned response.

Acquisition

The initial stage of learning when a response is first established and gradually strengthened.

Extinction

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

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a rest period.

Generalization

The tendency to respond to stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Discrimination

The ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus.

Learned Helplessness

A state in which an organism learns to be helpless in a situation where it has no control, often as a result of repeated exposure to aversive stimuli.

Respondent Behavior

Behavior that occurs as an automatic response to a stimulus.

Operant Conditioning

A type of learning in which behavior is strengthened or weakened by the consequences that follow it.

Law of Effect

The principle that behaviors followed by favorable consequences become more likely, while behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences become less likely.

Shaping

The process of reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Increasing the likelihood of a behavior by removing an aversive stimulus.

Reinforcer

Any stimulus that strengthens or increases the likelihood of a desired behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

Increasing the likelihood of a behavior by presenting a desirable stimulus.

Variable-Interval Schedule

A reinforcement schedule in which reinforcement is delivered after varying intervals of time.

Variable-Ratio Schedule

A reinforcement schedule in which reinforcement is delivered after varying numbers of responses.

Fixed-Interval Schedule

A reinforcement schedule in which reinforcement is delivered after a fixed interval of time.

Fixed-Ratio Schedule

A reinforcement schedule in which reinforcement is delivered after a fixed number of responses.

Punishment

Decreasing the likelihood of a behavior by presenting an aversive stimulus or removing a desirable stimulus.

Intrinsic Motivation

Engaging in behavior for its own sake, because it is inherently rewarding or enjoyable.

Latent Learning

Learning that occurs without obvious reinforcement and is not immediately demonstrated in behavior.

Insight

A sudden realization of a problem's solution.

Observational Learning

Learning by observing others' behaviors and the consequences of those behaviors.

Extrinsic Motivation

Engaging in behavior to obtain external rewards or avoid punishments.

Modeling

Demonstrating a behavior for others to imitate.

Mirror Neurons

Neurons that fire both when an individual performs an action and when they observe another individual performing the same action, suggesting a role in empathy and imitation