General Neurofeedback

Question 1

How does the BCIA define biofeedback?

Answer 1

“A process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance.”

Question 2

How does the BCIA define neurofeedback?

Answer 2

“Neurofeedback is a specialized application of biofeedback of brainwave data in an operant conditioning paradigm. The method is used to treat clinical conditions as well as enhance performance.”

Question 3

In classical conditioning, what is a neutral stimulus?

Answer 3

A stimulus in the natural environment that does not initially provoke a response.

Question 4

In classical conditioning, what is an unconditioned stimulus?

Answer 4

A stimulus that provokes an automatic, unconditioned response (e.g., the food in Pavlov’s experiment).

Question 5

The food in Pavlov’s experiment is an example of what type of stimulus?

Answer 5

Unconditioned stimulus

Question 6

In classical conditioning, what is an unconditioned response?

Answer 6

An unlearned response that occurs automatically in response to an unconditoned stimulus (e.g., salivation in response to food in Pavlov’s experiment).

Question 7

The dog’s salivation in Pavlov’s experiment is an example of what feature in classical conditioning?

Answer 7

Unconditioned response

Question 8

In classical conditioning, what is a conditioned stimulus?

Answer 8

A substitute stimulus that triggers the same response in an organism as the unconditioned stimulus (e.g., the bell in Pavlov’s experiment).

Question 9

The bell in Pavlov’s experiment is an example of what feature in classical conditioning?

Answer 9

Conditioned stimulus

Question 10

In classical conditioning, what is a conditioned response?

Answer 10

The learned response to the previously neutral stimulus (e.g., salivation in response to the sound of a bell in Pavlov’s experiment).

Question 11

In Pavlov’s experiment, a dog’s salivation at the sound of a bell is an example of what feature in classical conditioning?

Answer 11

Conditioned response

Question 12

In classical conditioning, what term describes the process by which a neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus?

Answer 12

Acquisition

Question 13

What does “acquisition” refer to in classical conditioning?

Answer 13

The pairing together of a neutral and unconditioned stimuli (i.e., the food and the bell in Pavlov’s experiment).

Question 14

In classical conditioning, what term refers to the gradual weakening of a conditioned response by breaking the association between the conditioned and unconditioned stimuli?

Answer 14

Extinction

Question 15

What does “extinction” refer to in classical conditioning?

Answer 15

Weakening of a conditioned response by breaking the association between a conditioned stimulus (i.e., bell) and unconditioned stimulus (i.e., food).

Question 16

In classical conditioning, what term refers to the return of a conditioned response (in a weaker form) after a period of time following extinction?

Answer 16

Spontaneous Recovery

Question 17

What does “spontaneous recovery” refer to in classical conditioning?

Answer 17

The return of a conditioned response after a period of extinction.

Question 18

In classical conditioning, what term describes what happens when tendencies develop where stimuli that are similar but not identical to the conditioned stimuli elicit a conditioned response?

Answer 18

Generalization

Question 19

What does “generalization” refer to in classical conditioning?

Answer 19

Instances where a conditioned response occurs to stimuli that are similar, but not identical to, a conditioned stimulus.

Question 20

In classical conditioning, what term describes the process through which individuals learn to differentiate among similar stimuli and respond differently to each one?

Answer 20

Discrimination

Question 21

What does “discrimination” refer to in classical conditioning?

Answer 21

Learning to differentiate between similar stimuli and respond differently to each one.

Question 22

What is Thorndike’s Law of Effect?

Answer 22

A positive reward for a behavior is followed by an increase in the probability of that behavior recurring.

Question 23

What is an appetative stimulus?

Answer 23

A stimulus that is pleasant and rewarding

Question 24

What is a noxious stimulus?

Answer 24

A stimulus that is unpleasant and punishing

Question 25

What are the 8 key principles of learning?

Answer 25

Readiness
Repetition
Reinforcement (effect)
Recency
Primacy
Intensity
Freedom
Resources

Question 26

As a key principle of learning, what does “readiness” refer to?

Answer 26

The principle that degree of concentration, eagerness, and motivation effects learning outcomes.

Question 27

As a key principle of learning, what does “repetition” refer to?

Answer 27

The principle that exercises repeated are best remembered.

Question 28

As a key principle of learning, what does “reinforcement” refer to?

Answer 28

The principle that learning is effected by the emotional response of the learner and directly relates to future motivation.

Question 29

As a key principle of learning, what does “recency” refer to?

Answer 29

The principle that material learned recently is most easily retained.

Question 30

As a key principle of learning, what does “primacy” refer to?

Answer 30

The principle that positive experiences of success at the outset lay a foundation for future success.

Question 31

As a key principle of learning, what does “intensity” refer to?

Answer 31

The principle that more intense learning experience are more easily retained.

Question 32

As a key principle of learning, what does “freedom” refer to?

Answer 32

The principle that willful participation promotes active engagement that facilitates learning.

Question 33

As a key principle of learning, what does “resources” refer to?

Answer 33

The principle that the setting of achievable goals, especially at the outset, facilitates learning.