definitions

Classical conditioning: a form of learning where an existing reflex response is elicited by the repeated pairing of two unrelated stimuli  
Response: behaviour that emerges as a result of a stimulus  
Reflex response: an automatic, involuntary, and almost instantaneous response to a stimulus  Neutral stimulus: a stimulus that on its own does not elicit a particular response 
Unconditioned stimulus: a stimulus with the inherent ability to elicit a reflex response  
Unconditioned response: the reflexive reaction to a specific unconditioned stimulus  
Conditioned stimulus: a stimulus that elicits a particular response due to learning  
Conditioned response: a reflex response elicited by previously neutral stimulus as a consequence of learning  
Stimulus generalisation: when a stimulus similar to a conditioned stimulus elicits the same response as the conditioned stimulus  
Stimulus discrimination: when a stimulus does not elicit the conditioned response because it differs significantly from the original stimulus  
Extinction: when the repeated presentation of the conditioned stimulus on its own ceases to elicit a response, as there is no longer an association between the conditioned stimulus (previously neutral) and the unconditioned stimulus  
Spontaneous recovery: the sudden reappearance of a previously extinct conditioned response after the unconditioned stimulus has been absent for some time 
Operant conditioning: a type of learning whereby the consequence of behaviour determines whether they will be repeated or not  
Reinforcement: a consequence that increases the likelihood of a behaviour repeating  
Punishment: a consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behaviour repeating  
Positive reinforcement: the addition of stimuli that increase the likelihood of behaviour being repeated  
Negative reinforcement: the removal of stimuli that increase the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated  
Positive punishment: the addition of stimuli that decrease the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated  
Negative punishment: the removal of stimuli that decrease the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated 
Fixed schedule: a predictable schedule where the length of time or number or responses between reinforcements changes 
Variable schedule: an unpredictable schedule where the length of time or number of responses between reinforcements changes 
Ratio schedule: a schedule dependent on the quantity of responses needed before reinforcement is provided  
Interval schedule: a schedule reliant on the length of time between reinforcements 
Fixed ratio schedule: reinforcement takes place following a set number of responses  
Fixed interval: reinforcement takes place at fixed time intervals  
Variable ratio: when reinforcement takes place after an unpredictable number of responses  
Variable interval: when reinforcement takes place a irregular time intervals 
Observational learning/observational conditioning: where the learner watches a model, notices the consequences of their behaviour, and then decides whether they will imitate their behaviour 
Model: the person who sets an example for others to imitate through their actions 
Learner: the person who is observing the model  
Vicarious reinforcement: a form of observational learning in which the observed consequences of a model’s actions can modify the behaviour of the learner (occurs without direct reinforcement or punishment) 
Phobia: intense and irrational fear to an object or situation that continues over time  
Systematic desensitisation: type of therapy that combines relaxation techniques with gradual exposure to overcome a phobia 
Token economy: behaviour modification technique based on operant conditioning principles whereby a symbolic reinforcer is used to encourage a particular behaviour  
-> promote desirable behaviour using positive reinforcement 
Secondary reinforcer: the symbolic tokens used to motivate desired behaviour  
Primary reinforcer: the tangible reward   
behaviour modification: application of classical and operant conditioning techniques to human behaviour and learning