learning theories AO1

Question 1

what is classical conditioning

Answer 1

learning by associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus that produces a behaviour

Question 2

explain the process of classical conditioning

Answer 2

a neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus that causes an unconditioned response
they become associated
the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus that produces a conditioned response (the same behaviour that the unconditioned response)

Question 3

what is one-trial learning

Answer 3

conditioning occurs immediately after one trial

Question 4

what is extinction

Answer 4

when the conditioned response dies out because the two stimuli have been presented without eachother

Question 5

what is spontaneous recovery

Answer 5

the conditioned response reappearing after extinction

Question 6

what is generalisation

Answer 6

when the conditioned response extends to other stimuli

Question 7

what is discrimination

Answer 7

the conditioned response does not become generalised to other stimuli

Question 8

what is operant conditioning

Answer 8

when learning occurs due to consequences of an action

Question 9

what is a reinforcer

Answer 9

an event that leads to the increased likelihood of a behaviour being repeated

Question 10

what is a primary reinforcer

Answer 10

a biologically significant reward
e.g. food, sex, shelter

Question 11

what is a secondary reinforcer

Answer 11

rewards associated with primary reinforcers

Question 12

what is a positive reinforcer

Answer 12

introducing something nice

Question 13

what is a negative reinforcer

Answer 13

removing something unpleasant

Question 14

what is a punishment

Answer 14

an event that leads to the decreased likelihood of an action being repeated

Question 15

what is a positive punishment

Answer 15

introducing something unpleasant

Question 16

what is a negative punishment

Answer 16

removing something nice

Question 17

what are the rules that punishments must follow

Answer 17

must be predictable
must be given by someone neutral
must reflect social norms

Question 18

what does contigent mean

Answer 18

there is a clear link between behaviour and punishment

Question 19

what does continguent mean

Answer 19

the consequence is soon after the behaviour

Question 20

what did thorndike (1911) do and what were his results

Answer 20

put a cat in a box with a latch door and salmon outside
with repetition the amount of time and effort spent on futile activities reduced due to stimulus and response association - food acts as a reward as it causes pleasure

Question 21

what did skinner (1948) do and what were his results

Answer 21

used skinner boxes to study rats
they were required to press a lever when the red light was on otherwise an electric shock was administered
he found that the stimulus response association was only continued if the consequence was positive - food pellet acts as reward

Question 22

what are the schedules of reinforcement

Answer 22

continuous
fixed ratio
variable ratio
fixed interval
variable intervals

Question 23

what is a phobia

Answer 23

an irrational fear

Question 24

what is exposure and response prevention

Answer 24

confronting a fear and refraining from avoidance to create healthier coping mechanisms

Question 25

what is flooding therapy

Answer 25

rapid exposure to conditioned stimulus rather than spaced presentations - facilitates extinction because the body is too exhausted to respond

Question 26

what is implosion therapy

Answer 26

developed by stampfl (1960)
in vitro method where patients would listen to detailed descriptions of feared situations for 6-9 hours
fear lost afterwards

Question 27

what did wanderer (1991) do

Answer 27

monitored patients with biofeedback as they listened to detailed descriptions of feared situations to identify triggers
reduced flooding sessions to 2hrs

Question 28

what were the components of wanderer’s 1991 flooding therapy

Answer 28

unavoidable exposure to phobia
extinction of phobia
eventual relaxation

Question 29

who developed systematic desensitisation

Answer 29

wolpe (1950)

Question 30

what was systematic desensitisation based on

Answer 30

reciprocal inhibition as two contrasting emotions can’t co-exist according to classical conditioning

Question 31

what is the first stage of systematic desensitisation

Answer 31

functional analysis
questioning to see the nature of the anxiety, triggers and everyday responses

Question 32

what is the second stage of systematic desensitisation

Answer 32

anxiety hierarchy
client and therapist equally make a hierarchy from least to most anxiety provoking

Question 33

what is the third stage of systematic desensitisation

Answer 33

relaxation training
relaxation techniques are taught and breathing and heart rate biofeedback given to make effective changes

Question 34

what is the fourth stage of systematic desensitisation

Answer 34

gradual exposure
each stage of the hierarchy is worked through using relaxation methods when the client is ready

Question 35

what is the social learning theory

Answer 35

we learn through observation of modelling and imitation

Question 36

what is a role model

Answer 36

someone of influence to an individual
can be live, symbolic or verbal

Question 37

what are the variables affecting imitiation according to pennington (1936)

Answer 37

characteristics of role model
characteristics of observer
consequences of behaviour for model

Question 38

what is vicarious learning

Answer 38

when we learn through others mistakes/successes

Question 39

what is the social learning process according to bandura (1977)

Answer 39

attention to/observation of model
retention through mental rehearsal
motor reproduction so behaviour is performed (more likely to occur if observer has low self esteem and high self efficacy)
motivation has to be extrinsic or intrinsic