Psychology - Unit 3 Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is classical conditioning?
A learning process that involves associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response
Based on Pavlov’s work, this concept applies to various organisms.
What is operant conditioning?
A form of learning where the probability of a behavioral response is altered by its consequences
This includes behaviors being strengthened by reinforcers or diminished by punishers.
Who is B.F. Skinner?
A psychologist known for his work in behaviorism and for developing the operant conditioning chamber, also known as the Skinner Box
His experiments primarily involved rats.
What does the Law of Effect state?
Behaviors followed by favorable consequences are more likely to be repeated, while those followed by unfavorable consequences are less likely to occur
This concept was formulated by Edward Thorndike.
Define reinforcer.
A condition where the presentation or removal of a stimulus strengthens a response or makes it more likely to occur again
Reinforcers can be positive or negative.
What is positive reinforcement?
The increase in frequency of a behavior due to the presence of a rewarding stimulus
It adds a favorable outcome following the behavior.
What is negative reinforcement?
The increase in frequency of a behavior due to the removal of an unpleasant stimulus
It subtracts an aversive condition following the behavior.
What is punishment in the context of operant conditioning?
An adverse stimulus that occurs after a behavior and decreases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again
Punishment can be positive or negative.
What is positive punishment?
An undesirable event that follows a behavior, decreasing the probability it will occur again
It introduces an aversive consequence.
What is negative punishment?
The removal of a desirable event after a behavior, leading to a decrease in that behavior
Also known as omission training.
Define cognition.
The mental processes in the brain, including thinking, memory, learning, and perception.
What is cognitive psychology?
The study and application of how the brain learns, processes, and uses information.
Who is Albert Bandura?
A Canadian psychologist known for developing Social Learning Theory, which emphasizes learning through observation and imitation.
What was the main finding of Bandura’s BoBo Doll Experiment?
Children who observed aggressive behavior were more likely to imitate that aggression
This demonstrated learning through observation without direct reinforcement.
What does the term ‘acquisition’ refer to in Bandura’s findings?
The process of learning a behavior, which does not guarantee immediate performance.
What is ‘learning without reinforcement’?
The concept that individuals can learn behaviors through imitation without receiving direct rewards or punishments.
What were the participants in Bandura’s experiment?
72 children (36 boys and 36 girls) from Stanford Nursery, average age: 4.5 years.
What is the role of the amygdala in the brain?
It plays a vital role in managing emotions.
What are the ‘Big Five’ personality traits?
- Agreeableness
- Extroversion
- Conscientiousness
- Openness
- Neuroticism
What is intrinsic motivation?
A desire to perform a task for its own sake, due to its meaningfulness or personal satisfaction.
What is extrinsic motivation?
A desire to perform a task due to external factors, such as rewards or the threat of punishment.
What is cognitive dissonance theory?
The theory that people are motivated to reduce discomfort when their behavior does not align with their attitudes.
List the stages of the Behavioral Change Model.
- Pre-contemplation
- Contemplation
- Preparation
- Action
- Maintenance
- Relapse
Who founded psychoanalysis?
Sigmund Freud.
