Untitled Flashcards Set

Classical Conditioning

A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

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

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

The unlearned, naturally occurring response to the unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after becoming associated with the unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to the previously neutral conditioned stimulus.

Acquisition

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

Extinction

The diminishing of a conditioned response when the unconditioned stimulus no longer follows the conditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of a conditioned response after a rest period following extinction.

Generalization

The tendency to respond in the same way to different but similar stimuli.

Discrimination

The ability to distinguish between similar but distinct stimuli.

John Garcia and Bait-Shyness

Demonstrated that certain associations are learned more readily than others, challenging basic stimulus/response theory.

Predictability

A cognitive challenge to basic stimulus/response, indicating that expectations can influence learning.

Ivan Pavlov

A key contributor to classical conditioning, known for his experiments with dogs.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment.

Reinforcement

Any event that strengthens or increases the likelihood of a behavior.

Punishment

An event that decreases the likelihood of a behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a pleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an aversive stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior.

Primary Reinforcement

Reinforcement that is naturally satisfying, such as food or water.

Secondary Reinforcement

A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through association with a primary reinforcer.

Shaping

Gradually guiding actions toward the desired behavior through successive approximations.

Continuous Reinforcement

Reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs.

Partial Schedule

Reinforcing a response only part of the time, leading to greater resistance to extinction.

Fixed-Interval Schedule

A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed.

Variable-Interval Schedule

A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals.

Fixed-Ratio Schedule

A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified number of responses.

Variable-Ratio Schedule

A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses.

Imprinting and Konrad Lorenz

A biological challenge to operant conditioning demonstrating innate behaviors in young animals.

Edward Tolman and Latent Learning

Identified cognitive maps, showing that learning can occur without reinforcement.

Overjustification Effect

When external rewards diminish intrinsic motivation for an activity.

Martin Seligman and Learned Helplessness

A phenomenon in which individuals learn to feel helpless in response to adverse events.

B.F. Skinner

A key contributor to operant conditioning known for his work with reinforcement schedules.

Observational Learning

Learning that occurs by observing the behavior of others.

Bobo Doll (Albert Bandura)

An experiment demonstrating that children imitate aggressive behaviors observed in adults.

Model

An individual whose behavior is imitated in observational learning.

Modeling

The process of learning through observation and imitation of others.

Conditions Necessary for Learning from Others

Factors that influence observational learning, including attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.

St. Helena Study and Sabido Method

Research methodologies used to study and teach social learning.

SLT and Sabido

Social Learning Theory related to modeling behavior for educational purposes.

Margate Matlin

An influential contributor to the understanding of social learning and observational mechanisms.