Theories of learning Flashcards

Classical and operant conditioning & observational learning (34 cards)

1
Q

Learning

A

A relatively permanent change, often of behaviour, that occurs as a result of experience

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2
Q

Unconditioned stimulus (UCS)

A

A stimulus that unconditionally, naturally, and automatically triggers a response, without any prior learning

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3
Q

Unconditioned response (UCR)

A

The response that unconditionally, naturally, and automatically follows a UCS, without any prior learning

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4
Q

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

A

A stimulus that initially triggers no response

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5
Q

Conditioned stimulus (CS)

A

A previously NS that, after becoming associated with the UCS, eventually comes to trigger a response

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6
Q

Conditioned response (CR)

A

The learned response to the previously neutral stimulus

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7
Q

Stimulus generalisation

A

This occurs when a stimulus similar to the conditioned stimulus produces the conditioned response

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8
Q

Extinction

A

The gradual weakening of a conditioned response that results in the behaviour decreasing or disappearing

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9
Q

Discrimination

A

The learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus

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9
Q

Spontaneous recovery

A

The return of a conditioned response (usually in a weaker form) after a period of time following extinction.

an extinguished CR reappears after a rest period when the CS is presented alone

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10
Q

What is the acquisition process in classical conditioning?

A

The NS is paired many times with the UCS to produce the response

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11
Q

How does extinction occur in classical conditioning?

A

Extinction in classical conditioning occurs when the conditioned response decreases or disappears because the conditioned stimulus is no longer paired with the unconditioned stimulus.

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12
Q

What is the role of the learner in classical conditioning?

A

Passive

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13
Q

What is operant conditioning?

A

Learning through patterns of reinforcement or punishment - an association forms between a behaviour and its consequence

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14
Q

What is the three-phase/ABC model of operant conditoning?

A

It explains operant conditioning as having three parts that occur in a specific sequence:
Antecedent
Behaviour
Consequence

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15
Q

Antecedent

A

Any stimulus that precedes a behaviour. refers to condition/event/environment that caused or contributed to the behaviour.

16
Q

What is the ‘behaviour’ component in the three phase model?

A

The response/action carried out after the antecedent

17
Q

What is the ‘consequence’ component in the three phase model?

A

The stimulus that follows the behaviour (such as reinforcement or punishment) and affects the likelihood of reoccurance

18
Q

Reinforcement

A

A (pleasant) consequence that strengthens a behaviour - causes behaviour to occur more frequently

19
Q

Punishment

A

An (unpleasant) consequence that weakens a behaviour - causes behaviour to occur less frequently

20
Q

An (unpleasant) consequence that weakens a behaviour - causes behaviour to occur less frequently

A

Positive reinforcement
means there is an addition of a pleasant reward, while
negative reinforcement
means there is a removal of an unpleasant outcome

21
Q

Schedules of reinforcement

A

How often a behaviour is reinforced with impact the frequency of the behaviour (rate of responding)

22
Q

Continuous reinforcement

A

Reinforcement after every response

23
Q

Fixed-interval schedule

A

Reinforcement after a set period of time

24
Variable-interval schedule
Reinforcement after a varying length of time
25
Fixed-ratio schedule
Reinforcement after a set number of responses
26
Variable-ratio schedule
Reinforcement after a varying number of responses
27
What is the acquisition process in operant conditioning?
The behaviour is paired/followed by a consequence
28
How does extinction occur in operant conditioning?
Extinction in operant conditioning occurs when the reinforcement of a behaviour is stopped, leading to a decrease in the frequency of tht behaviour
29
What is the role of the learner in operant conditioning?
Active: the learner has to be active in exploring the environment
30
Observational learning
Learning that occurs when an individual observes/watches the behaviour of others, and their consequences, and determines whether to copy/imitate the behaviour.
31
Model
The person who sets an example for others to imitate through their actions Learners typically choose models they like/identify with, or who have higher status
31
What are the 5 mediating processes in observational learning?
1. Attention: learner notices behaviour of model that is distinct and salient 2. Retention: coding and categorising of the behaviour to be remembered 3. Reproduction: involves the individual's cognitive and physical skills; capabilities and limitations can influence the extent and accuracy of modelling 4. Motivation: rewards and reinforcement from others or self to replicate the modelled behaviour 5. Reinforcement: if the learner expects the modelled behaviour to be reinforced, they are more likely to reproduce the behaviour
32
What is vicarious reinforcement?
It refers to our behaviours being reinforced by observing models being rewarded or punished Learner is likely to imitate behaviour that is rewarded and refrain from behaviour that is punished.