Learning

What is learning?

the process by which experience or practice results in a relatively permanent change in behavior or potential behavior

Learning activity

Classical Conditioning A form of learning in which a response

elicited by one stimulus becomes elicited by a previously neutral stimulus

Classical Conditioning

Terms Unconditioned stimulus

(US) Unconditioned

response (UR) Neutral stimulus Conditioned stimulus

(CS) Conditioned response

(CR)

Classical Conditioning

Temporal contiguity Stimulus generalization Stimulus discrimination Extinction

ReconditioningSpontaneous recovery

Higher-order conditioning

Come up with at least five examples of learned (classical conditioning) reaction patterns from your lives

Example: cat comes running when s/he hears the can opener…

Biological constraints on learning

Classical ConditioningEvents outcomes

Operant ConditioningOne’s behavior outcomes

Operant Conditioning

Reinforcer↑ likelihood

Punishment↓ likelihood

A Closer Look at Reinforcement

Positive reinforcer A pleasant event that follows an operant

response, increasing the likelihood that the response will recur

Negative reinforcerStrengthens a given response by removing an

aversive stimuli

Punishment Positive (“Punisher”)/Negative (“Response

Cost”)

Not the same as negative reinforcement

To be effective, punishment needs to beSwift, sufficient, and certain

Drawbacks of Punishment

Punishment cannot “unteach” unwanted behaviors.

Punishment can backfire.

Punishment can teach aggression.

Shaping

Reinforcement of successive approximations to end goal

Schedules of Reinforcement

Continuous Reinforcement Schedule

Partial Reinforcement Schedule

Partial Reinforcement Schedules

Extinction

Learned responses can weaken and disappear In classical conditioning

Occurs when CS-US pairing lapses

In operant conditioning Occurs when reinforcment is withheld

Spontaneous Recovery

Previously extinguished response reappears without retraining In classical conditioning

CS predicts US again

In operant conditioning Behavior produces old consequence again

Stimulus Generalization

Tendency to respond to cues similar to ones we have become conditioned toClassical

Stimuli similar to CS will elicit CR

Operant Supplying different response to stimulus

Stimulus Discrimination

Learners can be trained not to generalize, but rather to make a conditioned response only to a single stimulus.Classical

CR is specific to a certain CS-US pairing

Operant Reinforcing only specific responses

New Learning Based on Original Learning Higher order conditioning

Conditioning based on previous learning

Primary reinforcerA reinforcer that is rewarding in itself

Secondary reinforcerA reinforcer that acquires its reinforcing power

through association with a primary reinforcer

Sensitivity to Rewards/Punishment Sensitivity to Punishment

Score one point for each “yes” response for all odd-numbered items

Sensitivity to Reward Score one point for each “yes” response for all

even-numbered items

Scores range from 0-24 Higher scores greater sensitivity

Gray’s Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory

Behavioral activation system (BAS)

Behavioral inhibition system (BIS)

Observational Learning We can learn by observing a model, without

firsthand experience by the observerObservational learning

Social Learning Theorists

Vicarious Reinforcement

Factors Involved in Observational Learning Attention Retention Production Processes Motivation

Latent Learning

Learning happens even when not demonstratedStored internally

Tolman’s rats

Cognitive Maps

Neuroscience and Learning

Classical and Operant Conditioning limbic systemClassical hippocampusOperant amygdala