Untitled Flashcards Set

Habituation

Decreased response to a repeated stimulus over time.

Dishabituation

Renewed response to a stimulus after a change in environment or interruption.

Classical Conditioning (Pavlov)

Learning through association, where a neutral stimulus becomes linked to an automatic response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

A stimulus that naturally triggers a response (e.g., food causing salivation).

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after association with the US, triggers a learned response (e.g., bell causing salivation).

Second-Order Conditioning

When a new neutral stimulus is paired with an existing conditioned stimulus, creating another level of learned response.

Stimulus Generalization

Responding similarly to stimuli that resemble the conditioned stimulus.

Discrimination (as a stimulus)

Learning to distinguish between different stimuli and responding only to the specific conditioned stimulus.

Extinction

The weakening or disappearance of a conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a pause.

Operant Conditioning

Learning through consequences, where behavior is shaped by reinforcement or punishment.

Thorndike’s Law of Effect

Behaviors followed by positive outcomes are more likely to be repeated, while those followed by negative outcomes are less likely.

Reinforcers

Consequences that increase the likelihood of a behavior.

Punishers

Consequences that decrease the likelihood of a behavior.

Fixed Ratio Schedules

Reinforcement is given after a set number of responses (e.g., earning a reward after every five tasks).

Variable Interval Schedules

Reinforcement is given at unpredictable time intervals (e.g., checking for a random email response).

Shaping

Gradually reinforcing closer and closer approximations to a desired behavior.

Behaviorism vs. Cognitivism

Behaviorism focuses on observable behavior and conditioning, while cognitivism emphasizes mental processes like thinking and memory.

Observational Learning

Learning by watching others and imitating their actions.

Constructivism

Learning as an active process where individuals build their understanding based on experiences.

Humanism

Learning centered on personal growth, emotions, and self-actualization.