Chapter 8 - Learning Flashcards
(31 cards)
What is behaviorism?
A branch of psychology that focuses on learning as the basis of behavior
Behaviorism is generally unconcerned with the inner workings of the mind.
How does behaviorism help us understand personality?
It helps us understand how personality is shaped by the environment and believes that individual differences in personality are due to learning.
What are two personality traits influenced by family environment according to behaviorism?
- Agreeableness
- Conscientiousness
What is operant conditioning?
Shaping behavior through rewards and punishments.
Name the four major ways behavior can be modified in operant conditioning.
- Positive reinforcement
- Negative reinforcement
- Positive punishment
- Negative punishment
What is positive reinforcement?
Rewards or incentives for good behavior.
What did B.F. Skinner study in relation to positive reinforcement?
The effects of positively reinforcing animals in Skinner boxes.
What is shaping in the context of behavior modification?
Gradual training that rewards behavior progressively closer to the desired one.
Why is positive reinforcement considered effective?
It focuses on what the person or animal is doing well.
What is negative reinforcement?
Rewards desired behavior by removing something aversive.
What is positive punishment?
Administering something aversive after misbehavior.
Is punishment an effective discipline technique?
No, it changes behavior only temporarily and can cause aggression.
What are the guidelines for effective punishment?
- Must immediately follow the bad behavior
- Needs to be consistent
What is negative punishment?
Stopping bad behavior by removing something good.
What is an example of negative punishment?
Sending someone to prison removes their freedom.
What are reinforcement schedules?
Giving out rewards for good behavior at certain intervals.
What is a continuous reinforcement schedule?
Always given a reward for good behavior.
What is a partial reinforcement schedule?
Only sometimes given a reward for good behavior.
What is acculturation?
How children learn to become mature members of society.
What does social learning involve?
Learning by observing the rewards and punishments that others receive.
What is behavior modification?
Using conditioning to improve behavior.
What is a token economy?
Good behavior is rewarded with tokens that can be exchanged for privileges.
What is behavioral activation?
Effective therapy for depression based on behavior modification.
What is an external locus of control?
Believing that events are a matter of luck or the arbitrary decisions of powerful people.
