unit 4: learning

Question 1

learning

Answer 1

a relatively permanent change in bahravior as a result of experience (nurture).

Question 2

classical conditioning

Answer 2

learning which takes place when two or more stimuli are presented together; an unconditioned stimulus is paired repeatedlt with a neutral stimulus until it acquires the capacity to elicit a similar response. The subject learns to give a response it already knows to a new stimulus.

Question 3

stimulus

Answer 3

a change in the environment that elicits (brings about) a response.

Question 4

neutral stimulus (NS)

Answer 4

a stimulus that initially does not elicit a response.

Question 5

unconditioned stimulus (UCS or UR)

Answer 5

reflexively, or automatically, brings about the unconditioned stimulus.

Question 6

unconditioned response (UCR or UR)

Answer 6

an automatic, involuntary reaction to an unconditioned stimulus.

Question 7

conditioned stimulus (CS)

Answer 7

a neutral stimulus (NS) at first, but when paired with the UCS, it elicits the conditioned response (CR).

Question 8

acquistion

Answer 8

in classical conditioning, learning to give a known response to a new stimulus, the neutral stimulus
US > UR
NS + US > UR
CS > CR

Question 9

extinction

Answer 9

repeatedly presenting a CS without a UCS leads to return of the NS.

Question 10

spontaneous recovery

Answer 10

after extinction, and without training, the previous CS suddenly elicits the CR again temporarily.

Question 11

generalization

Answer 11

stimuli similar to the CS also elicit the CR without training.

Question 12

discrimination

Answer 12

the ability to tell the difference between stimuli so that only the CS elicits the CR.

Question 13

higher-order conditioning

Answer 13

classical conditioning in which a well-learned CS paired with an NS to produce a CR to the NS.

Question 14

aversive conditioning

Answer 14

learning involving an unpleasant or harmful stimulus or reinforcer.

Question 15

avoidance

Answer 15

behavior takes away the unpleasant stimulus before it begins

Question 16

escape

Answer 16

behavior takes away the unpleasant stimulus after it has already started.

Question 17

instrumental learning

Answer 17

associative learning in which a behavior becomes more or less probable depending on its consequences.

Question 18

law of effect

Answer 18

behaviors followed by positive consequences are strengthened while behaviors followed by annoying or negative consequences are weakened.

Question 19

operant conditioning

Answer 19

learning that occurs when an active learner performs certain voluntary behavior, and the consequences of the behavior (pleasant or unpleasant) determine the likelihood of its recurrence.

Question 20

positive reinforcement

Answer 20

a rewarding consequence that follows a voluntary behavior thereby increasing the probability the behavior will be repeated. ie: snack drawer
(ADDING A POSITIVE)

operant conditioning

Question 21

primary reinforcer

Answer 21

something that is biologically important and, thus, rewarding.
(food, water, shelter, etc.)

operant conditioning

Question 22

secondary reinforcer

Answer 22

something rewarding because it is associated with a number of different primary reinforcer.

operant conditioning

Question 23

generalized reinforcer

Answer 23

secondary reinforcer associated with a number of different primary reinforcers.

operant conditioning

Question 24

premack principle

Answer 24

a more probable behavior can be used as a reinforcer for a less probable one.

operant conditioning

Question 25

negative reinforcement

Answer 25

removal of an aversive consequence that follows a voluntary behavior, thereby decreasing the probability the behavior will be repeated. ie: advil (likely to take again) (**MINUS A NEGATIVE**) [reinforcement= continued response] | operant conditioning

Question 26

punishment

Answer 26

an aversive consequence that follows a voluntary behavior, thereby decreasing the probability the behavior will be repeated. | operant conditioning

Question 27

omission training

Answer 27

removal of a rewarding consequence that follows a voluntary behavior, thereby decreasing the probability the behavior will be repeated. | operant conditioning

Question 28

shaping

Answer 28

positively reinforcing closer and closer approximations of a desired behavior to teach a new behavior. | operant conditioning

Question 29

chaining

Answer 29

establishes a specific sequence of behaviors by initially positively reinforcing each behavior in a desired sequence and then later rewarding only the completed sequence. (training a pet) | operant conditioning

Question 30

continuous reinforcement

Answer 30

schedule that provides reinforcement following the particular behavior every time it is exhibited; best for acquisition if a new behavior.

Question 31

partial reinforcement (intermittent schedule)

Answer 31

occasional reinforcement following the particular behavior every time it is exhibited; best for acquisition of a new behavior.

Question 32

fixed ratio

Answer 32

reinforcement of a particular behavior after a specific number of responses.

Question 33

fixed interval

Answer 33

reinforcement of a particular behavior after a number of responses that changes at random around an average number.

Question 34

variable ratio

Answer 34

reinforcement of particular behavior after a number of responses that changes at random around an average number.

Question 35

variable interval

Answer 35

reinforcement of the first particular response made after a length of time that changes at random around an average time period.

Question 36

supersititious behaviors

Answer 36

can result fron unintended reinforcement of unimportant behavior.

Question 37

behavior modification

Answer 37

a field that applies the behavioral approach scientifically to solve problems (applied behavior analysis).

Question 38

token economy

Answer 38

operant training system that uses secondary reinforcers to increase appropriate behavior; learners can exchange secondary reinforcers for desired rewards.

Question 39

(biological) preparedness

Answer 39

predisposition to easily learn behaviors related to survival of the species.

Question 40

instinctive drift

Answer 40

a conditioned response that moves toward the natural behavior of the organism.

Question 41

contingency

Answer 41

cognitivist Richard Rescorla's theory says that the key to classical conditioning is how well the CS predicts the appearance of the UCS.

Question 42

latent learning

Answer 42

learning in the absence of rewards.

Question 43

insight

Answer 43

the sudden appearance of an answer or solution to a problem.

Question 44

observational learning

Answer 44

learning that occurs by watching the behavior of a model.