Psychology Unit V: Learning

LEARNING 

Three Main Types of Learning

• Conditioning: classical & operant
• Learning: observational & latent
• Learning: abstract & insight

Associative Learning

• learning that certain events occur together

Classical Conditioning

• acquisition
• extinction
• spontaneous recovery
• generalization
• discrimination

Conditioned Stimulus

• an originally irrelevant stimulus, that after association with the UCS, comes to trigger a response

Conditioned Response

• the learned response to a previously neutral stimulus

Unconditioned Stimulus 

• naturally and automatically triggers a response

Unconditioned Response

• the unlearned, naturally occurring response to the the UCS

Acquisition

• initial stage of learning
• phase where neural stimulus is associated with the UCS so that the neutral stimulus comes to elicit the CR (becoming the CS)
• Cs is before UCS and they occur together in timing

Extinction

• diminishing of a conditioned response 
• will eventually happen when the UCS does not follow the CS 

Spontaneous Recovery

• the reappearance after a rest period, of an extinguished conditioned response 

Generalization

• tendency once a response has been conditioned for stimuli similar to the CS to elicit similar responses

Discrimination

• learned ability to distinguish between a CS and other stimuli that does not signal UCS 

Mood - Congruent Theory

• tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one's current mood (good or bad)
• depressed = sad memories recalled
• moods affect the way you interpret other people's behavior

Operant Conditioning

• type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by reinforcement or diminished if followed by punishment

Classical vs. Operant

• both use acquisition, discrimination, spontaneous recovery, generalization, and extinction
• classical conditioning is automatic (respondent behavior) 
• operant conditioning involves behavior where one can influence their environment with behaviors which have consequences (operant behavior) 

Edward Thorndike

• Law of Effect: rewarded behavior is likely to recur (operant behaviors)

B.F. Skinner

• Operant Conditioning 

Shaping

• reinforcers guide behavior closer and closer towards a goal
• procedure in operant conditioning

Reinforcer

• event that strengthens the behavior it follows
• two types: positive and negative

Positive Reinforcement

• strengthens a response by presenting a stimulus after a response

Negative Reinforcement 

• strengthens a response by reducing or removing an aversive stimulus 

Primary Reinforcer

• innately reinforcing stimulus

Conditioned (Secondary Reinforcer)

• stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer

Continuous Reinforcement

• reinforces the desired response every time it occurs

Partial Reinforcement

• reinforces a response only part of the time 
• acquisition is slower
• greater resistance to extinction

Fixed - Ratio Schedule

• reinforces a response only after a specified number of responses 

Variable - Ratio Schedule

• schedule of reinforcers that reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses

Fixed - Interval Schedule

• schedule of reinforcement that reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed

Variable - Interval Schedule

• that reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals 

Punishment

• meant to decrease a behavior
• positive punishment: addition of something unpleasant 
• negative punishment (omission training): removal of something pleasant 
• works best if harsh or when done immediately after behavior

Token Economy

• every time a desired behavior is performed, a token is given
• trade token for prizes (reinforcers) 
• used in homes, prisons, mental places, and schools

Observational Learning

• Bandura & BOBO Doll
• we learn through modeling behavior from others 
• operant learning + operant conditioning  = social learning theory

Insight Learning

• Wolfgang Kohler & Chimpanzees
• some animals learn through the "ah ha" experience

Latent Learning

• Edwards Toleman
• sometimes learning is not immediately evident 
• hidden