Learning
A relatively permanent change in an organism's behavior due to experience.
Associative learning
Learning that certain events occur together. The events may be two stimuli (as in classical conditioning) or a response and its consequences (as in operant conditioning).
Classical conditioning
A type of learning in which an organism comes to associate stimuli. A neutral stimulus that signals an unconditioned stimulus (US) begins to produce a response that anticipates and prepares for the unconditioned stimulus. Also called Pavlovian or responde
Behaviorism
The view that psychology (1) should be an objective science that (2) studies behavior without reference to mental processes.
Unconditioned response (UR)
In classical conditioning, the unlearned, naturally occurring response to the unconditioned stimulus (US)
Unconditioned stimulus (US)
In the classical conditioning, a stimulus that unconditionally- naturally and automatically- triggers a response.
Conditioned response (CR)
In classical conditioing the learned response to a preveiously neutral (but now conditioned) stimulus (CS).
Conditioned stimulus (CS)
In classical conditioning, an originally irrelevant stimulus that after association with an unconditioned stimulus (US), comes to trigger a conditioned response.
Acquisition
The initial stage in classical conditioning; the phase associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus so that the neutral stimulus comes to elicit a conditioned response. In operant conditioning, the strengthening of a reinforced response.
Extinction
the diminishing of a conditioned response; occurs in classical conditioning when an unconditioned stimulus (US) does not follow a conditioned stimulus (CS); occurs in operant conditioning when a response is no longer reinforced.
Spontaneous recovery
The reappearance, after a pause, of an extinguished conditioned response.
Generalization
The tendency, once a response has been conditioned, for stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus to elicit similar responses.
Discrimination
In classical conditioning, the learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus.
Operant conditioning
a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher.
Respondent behavior
Behavior that occurs as an automatic response to some stimulus; Skinner's term for behavior learned through classical conditioning.
Operant behavior
Behavior that operates on the environment, producing consequences.
Law of effect
Thorndike's principle that behaviors followed by favorable consequences become more likely, and that behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences become less likely
Operant chamber
a chamber also known as a Skinner box, containing a bar or key that an animal can manipulate to obtain a food or water reinforcer, with attached devices to record the animal's rate of bar pressing or key pecking; used in operant conditioning research
Shaping
an operant conditioning procedure in which reinforcers guide behavior toward closer and closer approximations of the desired behavior.
Reinforcer
in operant conditioning, any event that strengthens the behavior it follows.
Positive reinforcement
increasing behaviors by presenting positive stimuli, such as food. A positive reinforcer is any stimulus that, when presented after a response, strengthens the response.
Negative reinforcement
increasing the strength of a given response by removing or preventing a painful stimulus when the response occurs
Primary reinforcer
an innately reinforcing stimulus, such as one that satisfies a biological need
Conditioned reinforcer
A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer; also known as secondary reinforcer.
Continuous reinforcement
Reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs.
Partial reinforcement
reinforcing a response only part of the time.
Fixed ratio schedule
In operant conditioning, a schedule of reinforcement that reinforces a response only after a specified number of responses.
Variable ratio schedule
In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses.
Fixed interval schedule
In operant conditioning, a schedule of reinforcement that reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed.
Variable interval schedule
In operant conditioning, a schedule of reinforcement that reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals.
Punishment
An event that decreases the behavior it follows.
Cognitive map
a mental representation of the layout of one's environment.
Latent learning
Learning that occurs but is not apparent until there is an incentive to demonstrate it.
Intrinsic motivation
A desire to perform a behavior for its own sake.
Extrinsic motivation
A desire to perform a behavior due to promised rewards or threats of punishment.
Observational learning
Learning by observing others.
Modeling
The process of observing and imitating a specific behavior.
Mirror neurons
Frontal lobe neurons that fire when performing certain actions or when observing another doing so.
Prosocial behavior
Positive, constructive, helpful behavior.