Chapter 6 - Learning

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to learning theories and conditioning.

Learning Theory

A systematic, relatively permanent change in behavior that can be attributed to experience.

Associative Learning

Occurs when we form simple associations between stimuli, behaviors, or both.

Cognitive Learning

Higher-level learning involving understanding, knowing, and thinking.

Operant Conditioning

Organisms learn associations between behavior and consequences.

Classical Conditioning

Learning based on what happens before we respond, where organisms learn to anticipate events.

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

A stimulus that does not initially elicit a response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response.

Unconditioned Response (UR)

An unlearned, natural reaction to an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

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

Conditioned Response (CR)

A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus.

Acquisition

The training period during which a response is strengthened.

Higher Order Conditioning

When a strong conditioned stimulus is paired with a neutral stimulus, causing the neutral stimulus to become a second conditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Emotional Response (CER)

A learned emotional reaction to a previously neutral stimulus.

Taste Aversion

Development of a nausea or aversive response to a particular taste due to a subsequent nausea reaction.

Stimulus Generalization

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

Stimulus Discrimination

The learned ability to respond differently to similar stimuli.

Extinction

The weakening of a learned response following the removal or absence of the unconditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of a learned response after apparent extinction.

Counterconditioning

A procedure to associate the conditioned stimulus with a new, incompatible conditioned response.

Operant Conditioning

Learning that focuses on the association between behaviors and the stimuli that follow them.

Thorndike’s Law of Effect

Behaviors followed by pleasant outcomes are strengthened, while those followed by unpleasant outcomes are weakened.

Positive Reinforcement

Behavior followed by the addition of a desirable stimulus.

Negative Reinforcement

Behavior followed by the removal of an undesirable stimulus.

Primary Reinforcers

Innately satisfying reinforcers such as food or water.

Secondary Reinforcers

Satisfying through experience, such as money or grades.

Positive Punishment

An event that follows a response with an aversive consequence.

Negative Punishment

The removal of a positive reinforcer after a response is made.

Schedules of Reinforcement

Patterns that determine when a behavior will be reinforced.

Observational Learning

Learning that occurs by watching and imitating actions of another person.

Latent Learning

Learning that occurs without obvious reinforcement, remaining hidden until reinforcement is provided.

Cognitive Maps

Internal images or representations of an area that underlie the ability to choose alternative paths.