Chapter 7: Learning

Question 1

Learning

Answer 1

The process of acquiring through experience new information or behaviours.

Question 2

Associative learning

Answer 2

Learning that certain events occur together.

Question 3

Stimulus

Answer 3

Any event or situation that evokes a response.

Question 4

Respondent behaviour

Answer 4

Behaviour that occurs as an automatic response to some stimulus.

Question 5

Operant behaviour

Answer 5

Behaviour that operates on the environment, producing consequences.

Question 6

Cognitive learning

Answer 6

The acquisition of mental information, whether by observing events, by watching others, or through language.

Question 7

Classical conditioning

Answer 7

A type of learning in which we link 2 stimuli and anticipate events.

Question 8

Behaviourism

Answer 8

The view that psych should be an objective science that studies behaviour without reference to mental processes.

Question 9

Neutral stimulus (NS)

Answer 9

In classical conditioning, a stimulus that elicits no response before conditioning.

Question 10

Unconditioned response (UR)

Answer 10

In classical conditioning, an unlearned, naturally occurring response (salivation) to an unconditioned stimulus (food in the mouth).

Question 11

Unconditioned stimulus (US)

Answer 11

In classical conditioning, a stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers an unconditioned response.

Question 12

Conditioned response (CR)

Answer 12

In classical conditioning, a learned response to a previously neutral (but now conditioned) stimulus (CS).

Question 13

Conditioned stimulus (CS)

Answer 13

In classical conditioning, an originally irrelevant stimulus, that after association with an unconditioned stimulus, triggers a conditioned response.

Question 14

Acquisition

Answer 14

In classical conditioning, the initial stage, when one links a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus so the NS begins triggering a conditioned response.

Question 15

Higher order conditioning

Answer 15

A procedure in which the conditioned stimulus in one conditioning experience is paired with a new neutral stimulus, creating a 2nd (weaker) conditioned stimulus.

Question 16

Extinction

Answer 16

The diminishing of a conditioned response.

When a conditioned response does not follow a conditioned stimulus.

Question 17

Spontaneous recovery

Answer 17

The reappearance, after a pause, of an extinguished conditioned response.

Question 18

Generalization

Answer 18

The tendency, once a response has been conditioned, for stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus to elicit similar responses.

Question 19

Discrimination

Answer 19

In classical conditioning, the learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus.

Question 20

Operant conditioning

Answer 20

A type of learning in which behaviour is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher.

Question 21

Law of effect

Answer 21

Principle that behaviours followed by favourable consequences become more likely, and vice versa.

Question 22

Operant chamber

Answer 22

In operant conditioning, a chamber containing a bar or key that an animal can manipulate to obtain food, water, or a reinforcer.

Question 23

Reinforcement

Answer 23

In operant conditioning, any event that strengthens the behaviour it follows.

Question 24

Shaping

Answer 24

An operant conditioning procedure in which reinforcers guide behaviour toward closer and closer approximations of the desired behaviour.

Question 25

Positive reinforcement

Answer 25

Increasing behaviours by presenting positive reinforcers.

Question 26

Positive reinforcer

Answer 26

Any stimulus that when Presented after a response, strengthens the response.

Question 27

Negative reinforcement

Answer 27

Increasing behaviours by stopping negative stimuli.

Question 28

Negative reinforcer

Answer 28

Stimulus that, when Removed after a response, strengthens the response.

Question 29

Primary reinforcer

Answer 29

An innately reinforcing stimulus, such as one that satisfies a biological need.

Question 30

Conditioned reinforcer

Answer 30

A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer.

Question 31

Reinforcement schedule

Answer 31

A pattern that defines how often a desired response will be reinforced.

Question 32

Continuous reinforcement schedule

Answer 32

Reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs.

Question 33

Partial reinforcement schedule

Answer 33

Reinforcing a response only part of the time; slow acquisition of the response but much greater resistance to extinction.

Question 34

Fixed-ratio schedule

Answer 34

In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified number of responses.

Question 35

Variable-ratio schedule

Answer 35

In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses.

Question 36

Fixed-interval schedule

Answer 36

In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed.

Question 37

Variable-interval schedule

Answer 37

In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals.

Question 38

Punishment

Answer 38

An event that tends to decrease the behaviour it follows.

Question 39

Cognitive map

Answer 39

A mental representation of the layout of one's environment.

Question 40

Latent learning

Answer 40

Learning that occurs but is not apparent until there is an incentive to demonstrate it.

Question 41

Intrinsic motivation

Answer 41

A desire to perform a behaviour effectively for its own sake.

Question 42

Extrinsic motivation

Answer 42

A desire to perform a behaviour to receive promised rewards or avoid threatened punishment.

Question 43

Observational learning

Answer 43

Learning by observing others.

Question 44

Modeling

Answer 44

The process of observing and imitating a specific behaviour.

Question 45

Mirror neurons

Answer 45

Frontal lobe neurons that scientists believe fire when performing certain actions or when observing another doing so.

Question 46

Prosocial behaviour

Answer 46

Positive, constructive, helpful behaviour.