Unit 6 - Learning

Question 1

Learning

Answer 1

A relatively permanent change in an organism’s behavior due to experience

Question 2

Associative learning

Answer 2

Learning that certain events occur together

Question 3

Classical conditioning

Answer 3

A type of learning in which one learns to link two or more stimuli and anticipate events

Question 4

Unconditioned response (UR)

Answer 4

In classical conditioning, the unlearned, naturally occurring response to the unconditioned stimulus, such as salivation when food is in the mouth

Question 5

Unconditioned stimulus (US)

Answer 5

In classical conditioning, a stimulus that unconditionally-naturally and automatically-triggers a response

Question 6

Conditioned response (CR)

Answer 6

In classical conditioning, the learned response to a previously neutral stimulus

Question 7

Conditioned stimulus (CS)

Answer 7

In classical conditioning, an originally irrelevant stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response

Question 8

Acquisition

Answer 8

In classical conditioning, the initial stage, when one links a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus so that the neutral stimulus begins triggering the conditioned response

Question 9

Extinction

Answer 9

The diminishing of a conditioned response

Question 10

Spontaneous recovery

Answer 10

The reappearance, after a pause, of an extinguished conditioned response

Question 11

Generalization

Answer 11

The tendency, once a response has been conditioned, for stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus to elicit similar responses

Question 12

Discrimination

Answer 12

In classical conditioning, the learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus

Question 13

Taste aversion

Answer 13

also known as the Garcia effect. Occurs when a subject associates the taste of a certain food with symptoms caused by a toxic, spoiled, or poisonous substance.

Question 14

Respondent behavior

Answer 14

Behavior that occurs as an automatic response to some stimulus

Question 15

Operant conditioning

Answer 15

A type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher

Question 16

Operant behavior

Answer 16

Behavior that operates on the environment, producing consequences

Question 17

Law of effect

Answer 17

Thorndike’s principle that behaviors followed by a favorable consequence become more likely, and that behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences becomes less likely

Question 18

Operant chamber (Skinner box)

Answer 18

In operant conditioning research, a chamber containing a bar or key that an animal can manipulate to obtain a food or water reinforcer

Question 19

Shaping

Answer 19

An operant conditioning procedure in which reinforcers guide behaviors toward closer and closer approximations of the desired behavior

Question 20

Discriminative stimulus

Answer 20

In operant conditioning, a stimulus that elicits a response after association with reinforcement (in contrast to related stimuli not associated with reinforcement)

Question 21

Reinforcer

Answer 21

In operant conditioning, any event that strengthens the behavior it follows

Question 22

Positive reinforcement

Answer 22

Increasing behaviors by presenting positive stimuli, such as food. A positive reinforcer is any stimulus that, when presented after a response, strengthens the response

Question 23

Negative reinforcement

Answer 23

Increasing behaviors by stopping or reducing negative stimuli, such as shock. A negative reinforcer is any stimulus that, when removed after a response, strengthens the response (Note: negative reinforcement is not punishment)

Question 24

Primary reinforcer

Answer 24

An innately reinforcing stimulus, such as one that satisfies a biological need

Question 25

Conditioned (secondary) reinforcer

Answer 25

A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer; also known as a secondary reinforcer.

Question 26

Premack principle

Answer 26

Also known as the relativity theory of reinforcement. More probable (desirable) behaviors (or activities) will reinforce less probable (desirable) behaviors (activities).

Question 27

Continuous reinforcement

Answer 27

Reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs

Question 28

Partial (intermittent) reinforcement

Answer 28

reinforcing a response only part of the time; results in slower acquisition of a response but much greater resistance to extinction than does continuous reinforcement

Question 29

Fixed-ratio schedule

Answer 29

In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified number of responses

Question 30

Variable-ratio schedule

Answer 30

In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after an unpredicted number of responses

Question 31

Fixed-interval schedule

Answer 31

In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed

Question 32

Variable-interval schedule

Answer 32

In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals

Question 33

Punishment

Answer 33

An event that decreases the behavior that it follows

Question 34

Positive punishment

Answer 34

adding an undesirable stimulus to decrease behavior

Question 35

Negative punishment

Answer 35

taking away a desirable stimulus to decrease behavior

Question 36

Contingency model of classical conditioning

Answer 36

A is contingent (depends) upon B and vice versa. Says that the subject has to expect one stimulus to follow another in order to respond.

Question 37

Cognitive map

Answer 37

A mental representation of the layout of one’s environment. For example, after exploring a maze, rats act as if they have learned a cognitive map of it

Question 38

Latent learning

Answer 38

Learning that occurs but is not apparent until there is incentive to demonstrate it

Question 39

Insight

Answer 39

A sudden and often novel realization of the solution to a problem

Question 40

Observational learning

Answer 40

Learning by observing others. Also called social learning

Question 41

Modeling

Answer 41

The process of observing and imitating a specific behavior.

Question 42

Vicarious reinforcement/punishment

Answer 42

in observing someone else being punished or reinforced for a particular behavior, the observers behavior will increase or decrease due to observing the punishment or reinforcement

Question 43

Prosocial behavior

Answer 43

Positive, constructive, helpful behavior. The opposite of antisocial behavior