ReviewUnit 7

Observational Learning

Learning by watching others.

Modeling

Observing and imitating a specific behavior.

Albert Bandura

He was the psychologist who is famous for conducting his Bobo Doll experiment.

Learning

A relatively permanent change in behavior as a result of experience.

John Watson

Psychologist famous for conducting the “Little Albert” experiments on behavior.

Classical Conditioning

Type of conditioning which uses two or more stimuli presented together to obtain a conditioned response.

Unconditioned Stimulus

A stimulus that automatically triggers a response.

Unconditioned Response

An automatic, involuntary reaction to an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus

A neutral stimulus at first, but when paired with the unconditioned stimulus, it elicits the conditioned response.

Conditioned Response

The learned response to the conditioned stimulus.

Acquisition

Learning to give a known response to a new stimulus. It is what occurs when you learn something new.

Extinction

The diminishing response to a conditioned stimulus after a period of inactivity.

Spontaneous Recovery

After extinction, and without training, the conditioned response returns after being exposed to the conditioned stimulus.

Ivan Pavlov

The psychologist known for his work with classical conditioning.

Generalization

The tendency to respond to stimulus similar to the conditioned stimulus. (i.e. Pavlov’s dog would salivate at different tones.)

Operant Conditioning

Learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher.

E.L. Thorndike

Psychologist who created the puzzle box to determine if cats can learn.

B.F. Skinner

Behaviorist most widely known for his work in operant conditioning.

Skinner Box (Operant Chamber)

A box designed to release a reward when a lever was pushed.

Reinforcement

Any event that strengthens a preceding response.

Positive Reinforcement

Using positive stimuli to strengthen a response. (i.e. Give candy for correct answer.)

Negative Reinforcement

Removing a negative stimulus to strengthen a response. (i.e. Turning off an alarm clock.)

Primary reinforcers

Reinforcers that are innate. (i.e. food, oxygen, etc.)

Conditioned Reinforcers

Learned reinforcers. (i.e. money, grades, etc.)

Continuous Reinforcement

Reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs.

Partial Reinforcement

Responses are sometimes reinforced and sometimes not.

Fixed-ratio schedule

Reinforce behavior after a set number of responses. (i.e. Candy for every 5 correct answer.)

Variable-ratio schedule

Reinforce after an unpredictable number of response. (i.e. slot machines)

Fixed-interval schedule

Reinforce after a fixed time period. (i.e. checking mail at same time every day.)

Variable-interval schedule

Reinforce after an unpredictable amount of time. (i.e. checking for ACT score online)

Punishment

An event that decreases the behavior it follows.

Cognitive Map

A mental representation of one’s environment.

Latent learning

Demonstrate learning only when there is 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 punishment.

Learned Helplessness

The feeling of helplessness that results from repeated failed attempts.