Learning (5)

Question 1

Acquisition

Answer 1

The gradual formation of an association between the conditioned and unconditioned stimuli.

Question 2

associative learning

Answer 2

Linking two stimuli or events that occur together.

Question 3

behaviorism

Answer 3

A psychological approach that emphasizes environmental influences on observable behaviors.

Question 4

classical conditioning (Pavlovian conditioning)

Answer 4

A type of associative learning in which a neutral stimulus comes to elicit a response when it is associated with a stimulus that already produces that response.

Question 5

conditioned response (CR)

Answer 5

A response to a conditioned stimulus; a response that has been learned.

Question 6

conditioned stimulus (CS)

Answer 6

A stimulus that elicits a response only after learning has taken place.

Question 7

continuous reinforcement

Answer 7

A type of learning in which behavior is reinforced each time it occurs.

Question 8

equipotentiality

Answer 8

The principle that any conditioned stimulus paired with any unconditioned stimulus should result in learning.

Question 9

extinction

Answer 9

A process in which the conditioned response is weakened when the conditioned stimulus is repeated without the unconditioned stimulus.

Question 10

fear conditioning

Answer 10

A type of classical conditioning that turns neutral stimuli into threatening stimuli.

Question 11

habituation

Answer 11

A decrease in behavioral response after repeated exposure to a stimulus.

Question 12

instructed learning

Answer 12

Learning associations and behaviors through verbal communication.

Question 13

law of effect

Answer 13

Thorndike’s general theory of learning: Any behavior that leads to a “satisfying state of affairs” is likely to occur again, and any behavior that leads to an “annoying state of affairs” is less likely to occur again. Or, the likelihood of the occurrence of a behavior is influenced by its consequences.

Question 14

learning

Answer 14

A relatively enduring change in behavior resulting from experience.

Question 15

modeling

Answer 15

The imitation of observed behavior.

Question 16

negative punishment

Answer 16

The removal of a stimulus to decrease the probability of a behavior’s recurrence.

Question 17

negative reinforcement

Answer 17

The removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase the probability of a behavior’s recurrence.

Question 18

nonassociative learning

Answer 18

Responding after repeated exposure to a single stimulus or event.

Question 19

operant conditioning (instrumental conditioning)

Answer 19

A learning process in which the consequences of an action determine the likelihood that it will be performed in the future.

Question 20

partial reinforcement

Answer 20

A type of learning in which behavior is reinforced intermittently.

Question 21

partial-reinforcement extinction effect

Answer 21

The greater persistence of behavior under partial reinforcement than under continuous reinforcement.

Question 22

phobia

Answer 22

An acquired fear that is out of proportion to the real threat of an object or a situation.

Question 23

positive punishment

Answer 23

The administration of a stimulus to decrease the probability of a behavior’s recurrence.

Question 24

positive reinforcement

Answer 24

The administration of a stimulus to increase the probability of a behavior’s recurrence.

Question 25

punishment

Answer 25

A stimulus that follows a behavior and decreases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated.

Question 26

reinforcer

Answer 26

A stimulus that follows a response and increases the likelihood that the response will be repeated.

Question 27

Rescorla-Wagner model

Answer 27

A cognitive model of classical conditioning; it holds that learning is determined by the extent to which an unconditioned stimulus is unexpected or surprising.

Question 28

sensitization

Answer 28

An increase in behavioral response after exposure to a stimulus.

Question 29

shaping

Answer 29

A process of operant conditioning; it involves reinforcing behaviors that are increasingly similar to the desired behavior.

Question 30

social learning

Answer 30

Acquiring or changing a behavior after verbal instruction or exposure to another individual performing that behavior.

Question 31

spontaneous recovery

Answer 31

When a previously extinguished conditioned response reemerges after the presentation of the conditioned stimulus.

Question 32

stimulus discrimination

Answer 32

A differentiation between two similar stimuli when only one of them is consistently associated with the unconditioned stimulus.

Question 33

stimulus generalization

Answer 33

Learning that occurs when stimuli that are similar but not identical to the conditioned stimulus produce the conditioned response.

Question 34

temporal discounting

Answer 34

The tendency to discount the subjective value of a reward when it is given after a delay.

Question 35

unconditioned response (UR)

Answer 35

A response that does not have to be learned, such as a reflex.

Question 36

unconditioned stimulus (US)

Answer 36

A stimulus that elicits a response, such as a reflex, without any prior learning.

Question 37

vicarious learning

Answer 37

Learning the consequences of an action by watching others being rewarded or punished for performing the action.