Behaviorism and Classical Conditioning chapter 6- textbook

These flashcards cover key concepts related to behaviorism and classical conditioning, providing definitions and explanations for important terms from the lecture.

Behaviorism

The position that psychology should focus only on observable behavior and the circumstances in which it occurs.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process that involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

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

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

An unlearned response that occurs naturally in reaction to the unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

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

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to the previously neutral conditioned stimulus.

Acquisition

The initial stage of learning when the conditioned response is first established.

Extinction

The diminishing of a conditioned response when the unconditioned stimulus is no longer paired with the conditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

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

Stimulus Generalization

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

Stimulus Discrimination

The learned ability to distinguish between similar stimuli, responding only to the conditioned stimulus.

Law of Effect

Thorndike's principle stating that responses followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to occur again.

Operant Conditioning

A method of learning that occurs through reinforcement or punishment after a behavior.

Reinforcement

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

Positive Reinforcement

The presentation of a stimulus after a behavior, increasing the likelihood of that behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

The removal of an aversive stimulus after a behavior, increasing the likelihood of that behavior.

Punishment

An event that decreases the likelihood of a behavior by introducing an aversive outcome or removing a positive stimulus.

Primary Reinforcer

A naturally reinforcing stimulus (e.g., food, water) that satisfies basic biological needs.

Secondary Reinforcer

A learned reinforcer that gains value through association with primary reinforcers.

Continuous Reinforcement

The reinforcement of a behavior every time it occurs.

Partial Reinforcement

Reinforcing a behavior only part of the time; it leads to slower acquisition but greater resistance to extinction.

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.

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.

Shaping

The process of reinforcing successive approximations to a desired behavior.

Chaining

The process of linking several interrelated behaviors to form a complex activity.

Preparedness

The idea that evolution has endowed species with a predisposition to learn certain associations more easily than others.

Conditioned Taste Aversion

Learning that occurs when a specific food is associated with illness, leading to a strong aversion.

Birdsong Learning

A process in which young birds learn their species' song during a sensitive period.

Social Learning

Learning that occurs by observing and imitating others.

Vicarious Reinforcement

Learning that occurs by observing the reinforcement of another's behavior.

Self-Efficacy

An individual's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task.

Discriminative Stimulus

A stimulus that signals the availability of reinforcement.

Operant Chamber (Skinner Box)

A device used to study operant conditioning in animals, allowing for controlled observations and measurements.

Blocking Effect

The phenomenon where a previously established association to one stimulus blocks the formation of an association to a new stimulus.

Drug Tolerance

A condition where a person requires more of a drug to achieve the same effects due to the body's adaptation to its presence.

Extinction Burst

A temporary increase in the frequency of responding when reinforcement is removed.

Ethological Approach

The study of behavior in natural environments, emphasizing the evolutionary basis of behavior.

Behavior Modification

The application of operant conditioning principles to change a specific behavior.