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Definition of Learning:
A systematic, relatively permanent change in behavior that occurs through experience.
Major Forms of Learning:
Behaviorism
Associative learning
Conditioning
Observational learning
Three Basic Types:
Classical Conditioning
Operant Conditioning
Social Learning
Historical Figure:
Founder of Classical Conditioning
Notable for research on digestion and awarded Nobel Prize
Definition:
A learning type where one stimulus acquires the capacity to evoke a response originally evoked by another stimulus.
Key Elements:
Neutral Stimulus (NS)
Unconditioned Stimulus (US)
Unconditioned Response (UR)
Conditioned Stimulus (CS)
Conditioned Response (CR)
Before Conditioning:
US (Food) → UR (Salivation)
NS (Bell) → No Salivation
During Conditioning:
NS + US → UR
After Conditioning:
CS (Bell) → CR (Salivation)
Overview of Pavlov’s research on classical conditioning and its foundational experiments.
NS: Tone
UCS: Meat Powder → UCR: Salivation
After Conditioning:
CS: Tone → CR: Salivation
Trial Definition:
Presentation of NS and US
Generally a gradual process requiring several trials, but one-trial conditioning is possible.
Definition: Initial learning of association.
Example: Personal experience associating onion breath with happiness.
Extinction:
Decline of CR in absence of UCS demonstrated by Sally's cringing at the dental drill sound.
Spontaneous Recovery:
Reappearance of previously extinguished response.
Definition:
Responding similarly to new stimuli resembling the original stimuli.
Definition:
Learning to respond differently to similar types of stimuli, such as differentiating between edible and poisonous foods.
Applications:
Commercial advertising
Phobias and anxiety
Overview: Watson's famous "Little Albert" study demonstrating the principles of classical conditioning.
Definition:
Changes the rate of a response based on the consequences that follow.
Principle of Reinforcement:
Organisms repeat behaviors that yield favorable consequences.
Examples:
Tendency to patronize Elmo's Bistro increases due to rewarding stimulus (good meal).
Humor improves with positive reinforcement (friends laughing).
Types of Reinforcement:
Positive Reinforcement
Negative Reinforcement
Timing:
Immediate vs Delayed Reinforcers
Definition:
Reinforcement of closer approximations to a desired behavior.
Reinforcer Types:
Primary reinforcers: Innately satisfying
Secondary reinforcers: Learned over time
Continuous Reinforcement:
Behavior reinforced every occasion (quicker acquisition/extinction).
Partial Reinforcement:
Behavior reinforced intermittently (slower acquisition/extinction).
Fixed vs Variable
Fixed: Predictable occurrences
Variable: Unpredictable occurrences
Ratio vs Interval:
Ratio: Based on behavior repetitions
Interval: Based on time passed
Positive vs Negative Reinforcement:
Both strengthen responses.
Positive Punishment: Adding an unpleasant outcome.
Negative Punishment: Taking away a pleasant outcome.
Principles:
Immediate, clear messaging, recommend alternative behavior, consistency.
Differentiation of responses:
Positive reinforcement vs punishment outcomes.
Issues include inability to establish desired behaviors, escape, aggression, and learned helplessness.
Definition: Learning via observation without direct consequences.
Processes:
Attention
Retention
Reproduction
Motivation
Findings from Bobo doll studies:
Importance of observation and behavioral reproduction.
Current controversies and complexities in research findings regarding media consumption effects.
Definition: Neurons that activate during behavior performance or observation, linked to empathy.
Concept of biological preparedness leading to learning relevant experiences such as taste aversion.
Definition: Behavior pattern return to innate actions, illustrated by animal behavior research.
Importance of cognitive processes (thinking), focusing on Tolman's rat research revealing latent learning and cognitive maps.
Definition: The cognitive realization of solutions leading to "aha" moments.
Concept: A state where individuals feel powerless due to previous experiences, linked to depression studies.