Vocabulary:Learning

Associative learning – Learning that involves connecting two events or stimuli.

Classical conditioning – Learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.

Ivan Pavlov – Psychologist known for discovering classical conditioning through experiments with dogs.

Behaviorism – Psychological approach focusing on observable behaviors and external stimuli rather than internal thoughts.

Unconditioned response – A natural, automatic reaction to a stimulus (e.g., salivating when seeing food).

Unconditioned stimulus – A stimulus that naturally triggers a response without prior learning.

Conditioned response – A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus.

Conditioned stimulus – A previously neutral stimulus that, after conditioning, triggers a response.

Acquisition – The initial stage of learning where a response is first established.

Extinction – The weakening 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 rest period.

Generalization – Responding similarly to stimuli that resemble the conditioned stimulus.

Discrimination – Learning to differentiate between similar stimuli and responding only to the conditioned stimulus.

Learned helplessness – A condition in which repeated failures lead to a passive acceptance of negative situations.

John Watson – Psychologist who established behaviorism and conducted the Little Albert experiment.

Little Albert – Subject of an experiment demonstrating classical conditioning of fear.

Operant conditioning – Learning in which behaviors are influenced by rewards and punishments.

Operant chamber – A device used to study operant conditioning, often called a "Skinner box."

Shaping – Reinforcing successive approximations to guide behavior toward a desired outcome.

B.F. Skinner – Psychologist who developed operant conditioning and studied reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement – Adding a desirable stimulus to increase a behavior.

Negative reinforcement – Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behavior.

Primary reinforcer – A naturally reinforcing stimulus (e.g., food, water).

Conditioned reinforcer – A learned reinforcer that gains value through association with a primary reinforcer (e.g., money).

Continuous reinforcement – Providing reinforcement every time a behavior occurs.

Partial (intermittent) reinforcement – Reinforcing behavior only some of the time, making it more resistant to extinction.

Punishment – A consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again.

Cognitive map – A mental representation of spatial relationships and environments.

Latent learning – Learning that occurs but is not demonstrated until there is an incentive to do so.

Intrinsic motivation – Performing a behavior for its own sake, driven by internal satisfaction.

Extrinsic motivation – Performing a behavior to earn rewards or avoid punishments.

Albert Bandura – Psychologist known for social learning theory and the Bobo doll experiment.

Observational learning – Learning by watching and imitating others.

Modeling – Demonstrating a behavior that others imitate.

Mirror neurons – Brain cells that activate when observing others' actions, aiding in imitation and learning.