Learning theory Flashcards
Classical conditioning (respondent learning)
Described by Pavlov 1927
Unconditioned stimulus
Food
Unconditioned response
Salivation
Conditioned stimulus
New stimulus - bell
Conditioned response
Salivation, in response to the conditioned stimulus
Automatic behavior
The forming of an association
Passive process
Doesn’t require understanding
Acquisition stage
The period of paring required between an UCS, and CS for the association of be learned
Stimulus preparedness
Acquisition of Conditioned response is selective, and the fact that certain stimuli are more likely to become a CS is termed stimulus preparedness
Simultaneous conditioning
The CS and UCS are applied at the same time
Delayed conditioning
Start of the CS precedes the start of the UCS
Optimal delay less than 0.1 sec
Trace conditioning
Least effective
Where the CS ends before the UCS begins
Extinction
The CS is presented without the UCS then the CR gradually disappear, though not completely
Partial or spontaneous recovery
There is a period where CS is not presented, CR may return but Ina weakened form
Higher order / second order conditioning
Learning to respond to a new CS through association with the original CS
Generalization
If a stimulus similar to the CS is used, this enables learning of similarities
Discrimination
The ability to recognize and respond to the differences between similar stimuli
Incubation
For emotional reactions, repeats brief exposures to the CS can result in a large increase in strength of the CR
Watson and Rayner
In 1920
Used Classical Conditioning
To indue a white rabbit phobia
Little Albert 11 month year old baby
Operant conditioning
Instrumental learning
Skinner 1904- 1990
Proposed associative learning theory
Thorndike law of effect (1874-1949)
States that if a voluntary behavior (operating on trail and error) is rewarded it will be repeated and vice versa
Primary reinforcement
Rewards basic drives. Sex, nourishment
Independent of prior learning
Secondary reinforcement
Rewards learned drives , money, praise
More subjective
Positive reinforcement
Reward reinforces a response and increases the likelihood of its occurrence