Learning Theory and CBT

Question 1

What is the definition of learning?

Answer 1

Learning is the activity or process of gaining knowledge or skill by studying, practicing, being taught, or experiencing something.

Question 2

What are some sources of knowledge or skill gained from learning?

Answer 2

Knowledge or skill is gained from past experiences including biological factors, socialization, and culture.

Question 3

What are the different forms and contents involved in learning?

Answer 3

Learning involves different forms of learning, different contents learned, and specific processes that maintain a learned process.

Question 4

What are new learning experiences?

Answer 4

New learning experiences involve providing new experiences and interfering with previous learnings and maintenance processes.

Question 5

What is classical conditioning?

Answer 5

Classical conditioning is a learning process involving associations between a naturally occurring stimulus and a previously neutral stimulus, which elicits a learned response.

Question 6

What is an Unconditioned Stimulus (US)?

Answer 6

An Unconditioned Stimulus (US) is something that naturally triggers a response without prior learning.

Question 7

What is an Unconditioned Response (UR)?

Answer 7

An Unconditioned Response (UR) is the natural, unlearned reaction to the unconditioned stimulus.

Question 8

What is a Neutral Stimulus (NS)?

Answer 8

A Neutral Stimulus (NS) is something that initially does not elicit the response.

Question 9

What is a Conditioned Stimulus (CS)?

Answer 9

A Conditioned Stimulus (CS) is a previously neutral stimulus that, after association with the US, triggers the learned response.

Question 10

What is a Conditioned Response (CR)?

Answer 10

A Conditioned Response (CR) is the learned response to the conditioned stimulus.

Question 11

What happens during the acquisition phase of classical conditioning?

Answer 11

During acquisition, the neutral stimulus is repeatedly paired with the unconditioned stimulus until the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus that elicits the conditioned response.

Question 12

What is extinction in classical conditioning?

Answer 12

Extinction occurs when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus, causing the conditioned response to gradually decrease and disappear.

Question 13

Is extinction the same as forgetting?

Answer 13

No, extinction is not forgetting; it is a new form of learning that inhibits the conditioned response.

Question 14

What is spontaneous recovery?

Answer 14

Spontaneous recovery is when the conditioned response briefly reappears after extinction if the conditioned stimulus is presented again after some time.

Question 15

What is stimulus generalization in classical conditioning?

Answer 15

Stimulus generalization is when stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus also elicit the conditioned response.

Question 16

Stimulus generalization is when stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus also elicit the conditioned response.

Answer 16

Discrimination is the ability to distinguish between the conditioned stimulus and other similar stimuli, responding only to the specific conditioned stimulus.

Question 17

What is higher-order conditioning (second-order conditioning)?

Answer 17

Higher-order conditioning occurs when a new neutral stimulus is paired with a conditioned stimulus, eventually eliciting the conditioned response on its own.

Question 18

What is systematic desensitization?

Answer 18

Systematic desensitization is a classical conditioning-based therapy aiming to replace fear or anxiety with relaxation through gradual exposure to the feared stimulus.

Question 19

What are the basic steps of systematic desensitization?

Answer 19

The steps include relaxation training, creating an anxiety hierarchy, gradual exposure to fear-provoking situations, and progressing through the hierarchy until anxiety is reduced.

Question 20

What is the focus of operant conditioning?

Answer 20

Operant conditioning focuses on the relationship between behavior and its environment, emphasizing voluntary responses shaped by consequences.

Question 21

What are the four types of operant conditioning consequences?

Answer 21

Positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment.

Question 22

Define positive reinforcement in operant conditioning.

Answer 22

Positive reinforcement is the addition of a stimulus following a behavior that increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

Question 23

Define negative reinforcement in operant conditioning.

Answer 23

Negative reinforcement is the removal of a stimulus following a behavior that increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

Question 24

Define positive punishment in operant conditioning.

Answer 24

Positive punishment is the addition of a stimulus following a behavior that decreases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

Question 25

Define negative punishment in operant conditioning.

Answer 25

Negative punishment is the removal of a stimulus following a behavior that decreases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

Question 26

What is vicarious learning or modelling?

Answer 26

Vicarious learning is a type of social learning where individuals learn behaviors, skills, or emotional reactions by observing others rather than through direct experience.

Question 27

Why is vicarious learning important?

Answer 27

It explains how social behaviors, fears, habits, and attitudes are learned through observation, making it fundamental in parenting, education, and therapy.

Question 28

What are the four key features required for vicarious learning?

Answer 28

Attention to the model, retention of what was observed, reproduction or imitation ability, and motivation to imitate.

Question 29

Who is the most famous theorist associated with social learning theory?

Answer 29

Albert Bandura is the most famous theorist of social learning theory.

Question 30

What was demonstrated by Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment?

Answer 30

The experiment showed that children who observed adults acting aggressively toward a doll were more likely to imitate the aggressive behavior.

Question 31

What do cognitive models suggest about the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors?

Answer 31

They suggest that thoughts influence feelings and behaviors, and dysfunctional thinking can lead to emotional problems and maladaptive behaviors.

Question 32

What are schemas in cognitive models?

Answer 32

Schemas are mental frameworks or beliefs that help organize and interpret information, influencing perception, behavior, and thoughts.

Question 33

What are automatic thoughts?

Answer 33

Automatic thoughts are quick, involuntary thoughts triggered by situations; they are often distorted or negative in emotional disorders.

Question 34

Name three cognitive distortions described in cognitive models.

Answer 34

All-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization, and catastrophizing.

Question 35

What is cognitive restructuring?

Answer 35

Cognitive restructuring is a technique that involves identifying and modifying faulty or distorted thinking patterns to more balanced and realistic thoughts.

Question 36

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Answer 36

CBT is a talk therapy based on the interconnectedness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, aiming to change negative thoughts and maladaptive behaviors to improve emotional well-being.

Question 37

What are the two main components of CBT?

Answer 37

The cognitive component focuses on challenging negative automatic thoughts, and the behavioral component focuses on changing unhelpful behaviors.

Question 37

What are some common disorders treated with CBT?

Answer 37

Depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.

Question 38

What makes CBT an effective treatment?

Answer 38

It is supported by strong scientific evidence, empowers patients with self-management tools, and addresses both thoughts and behaviors simultaneously.