Psychology - Unit 3

Flashcard #1 

Term:  Ivan Pavlov 

Definition:  A Russian physiologist known for his work in classical conditioning.



Flashcard #2 

Term:  Unconditioned stimulus 

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



Flashcard #3 

Term:  Unconditioned response 

Definition:  An unlearned response that occurs naturally in reaction to an unconditioned stimulus.



Flashcard #4 

Term:  Neutral stimulus 

Definition:  A stimulus that initially produces no specific reaction until it is associated with an unconditioned stimulus.



Flashcard #5 

Term:  Conditioned stimulus 

Definition:  A previously neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response.



Flashcard #6 

Term:  Conditioned response 

Definition:  A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that has become a conditioned stimulus.



Flashcard #7 

Term:  Acquisition 

Definition:  The initial stage of learning when a response is first established and gradually strengthened.



Flashcard #8 

Term:  Generalization 

Definition:  The tendency for a conditioned response to be evoked by stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus.



Flashcard #9 

Term:  Extinction 

Definition:  The diminishing of a conditioned response when the unconditioned stimulus is no longer presented.



Flashcard #10 

Term:  Discrimination 

Definition:  The learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus.



Flashcard #11 

Term:  Spontaneous recovery 

Definition:  The reappearance of a weakened conditioned response after a pause, suggesting that extinction is not entirely forgotten.



Flashcard #12 

Term:  John Watson 

Definition:  An American psychologist who established the psychological school of behaviorism.



Flashcard #13 

Term:  Little Albert Experiment 

Definition:  A study led by John Watson and Rosalie Rayner to demonstrate that emotional responses could be conditioned in humans.



Flashcard #14 

Term:  B.F. Skinner 

Definition:  An American psychologist best known for his work on operant conditioning and reinforcement.



Flashcard #15 

Term:  Positive reinforcement 

Definition:  A method of increasing behaviors by presenting positive stimuli after the desired behavior.



Flashcard #16 

Term:  Negative reinforcement 

Definition:  A method of increasing behaviors by removing negative stimuli after the desired behavior.



Flashcard #17 

Term:  Positive punishment 

Definition:  The addition of a stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a behavior's recurring.



Flashcard #18 

Term:  Negative punishment 

Definition:  The removal of a stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a behavior's recurring.



Flashcard #19 

Term:  Observational learning 

Definition:  Learning that occurs through observing the behavior of others.



Flashcard #20 

Term:  Albert Bandura 

Definition:  A psychologist known for his research on social learning theory and observational learning.



Flashcard #21 

Term:  Bobo Doll Experiment 

Definition:  An experiment conducted by Albert Bandura demonstrating that children can learn aggressive behaviors through observation.



Flashcard #22 

Term:  Learned helplessness (Seligman) 

Definition:  A mental state resulting from the belief that one cannot change or control a situation, leading to passive behavior.



Flashcard #23 

Term:  Information processing model 

Definition:  A cognitive model that likens the human mind to a computer, emphasizing the processes of encoding, storage, and retrieval.



Flashcard #24 

Term:  Encoding 

Definition:  The process of converting sensory input into a form that can be stored in memory.



Flashcard #25 

Term:  Storage (Sensory, Short-term, Long-term) 

Definition:  The retention of encoded information over time; sensory memory holds brief inputs, short-term memory holds limited information, and long-term memory can store vast amounts of information.



Flashcard #26 

Term:  Retrieval (Recognition and Recall) 

Definition:  The process of accessing and bringing into consciousness information stored in memory; recognition involves identifying previously learned information, while recall involves retrieving it without cues.



Flashcard #27 

Term:  Chunking 

Definition:  A memory technique involving grouping information into larger, manageable units to aid in storage and recall.



Flashcard #28 

Term:  Mnemonic devices 

Definition:  Techniques used to improve memory by associating complex information with simple, familiar concepts.



Flashcard #29 

Term:  Maintenance rehearsal 

Definition:  A cognitive process of repeatedly verbalizing or thinking about information to maintain it in short-term memory.



Flashcard #30 

Term:  Forgetting/Decay/Interference (Retro and Proactive) 

Definition:  Forgetting can occur due to decay (loss of memory over time) or interference (when new information blocks the retrieval of old information), which can be proactive (old interferes with new) or retroactive (new interferes with old).



Flashcard #31 

Term:  Semantic memory 

Definition:  A type of long-term memory that involves the recall of factual information and concepts.



Flashcard #32 

Term:  Episodic memory 

Definition:  A type of long-term memory that involves the recollection of specific events, situations, and experiences.



Flashcard #33 

Term:  Procedural memory 

Definition:  A type of long-term memory for the performance of particular types of actions.



Flashcard #34 

Term:  Noam Chomsky (innate) 

Definition:  A linguist who proposed that humans have an innate ability for language acquisition through a universal grammar.