W09-psyc101-AB3-fall2024-Learn (2)

What is learning?

The process of adapting to changes in the environment.

Habituation

A decrease in response to a repeated stimulus, allowing individuals to tune out irrelevant stimuli and focus on relevant ones.

Sensitisation

An increase in response to a repeated stimulus, serving to protect from potentially dangerous stimuli.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process in which a previously neutral stimulus becomes associated with a stimulus that naturally elicits a response.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process that uses reinforcement and punishment to influence behavior.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without prior conditioning.

Conditioned Response (CR)

A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that has become associated with an unconditioned stimulus.

Generalisation

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

Discrimination

The ability to distinguish between different stimuli and respond only to the conditioned stimulus.

Reinforcement

A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior recurring in the future.

Punishment

A consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior recurring in the future.

Primary Reinforcer

Stimuli that are naturally rewarding due to their biological significance.

Secondary Reinforcer

Stimuli that have become rewarding through association with primary reinforcers.

Extinction

The process through which a conditioned response diminishes or stops completely after repeated presentations of the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus.

Observational Learning

Learning by observing the behavior of others rather than through direct experience.

Vocal Learning

The ability to learn vocalizations from others, which is a rare ability in animals, exemplified by humans and certain bird species.

Social Cognitive Theory

A theory that extends beyond simple imitation, suggesting that we apply knowledge from models to our actions.

Expectations in Learning

The notion that animals form expectations about stimuli and consequences, affecting their learning process.

Latent Learning

Learning that occurs without any obvious reinforcement and becomes apparent when there is motivation to demonstrate it.