What is learning? Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior that occurs as a result of experience or practice.
Who is the founder of classical conditioning? Ivan Pavlov is the founder of classical conditioning.
In classical conditioning, what is an Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)? A UCS is a stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a reflexive response.
What is the initial, neutral stimulus that comes to elicit a conditioned response called? It is called the Conditioned Stimulus (CS).
What is the process of eliminating a conditioned response by repeatedly presenting the CS without the UCS? This process is called extinction.
Who is the founder of operant conditioning? B.F. Skinner is the founder of operant conditioning.
What is a reinforcer? A reinforcer is any event that strengthens or increases the frequency of the behavior it follows.
What is the process of reinforcing successive approximations of a target behavior? This process is called shaping.
How does classical conditioning differ from operant conditioning? Classical conditioning involves learning associations between involuntary, reflexive behaviors and stimuli. Operant conditioning involves learning associations between voluntary behaviors and their consequences.
Explain the process of stimulus generalization. Stimulus generalization occurs when stimuli that are similar to the original conditioned stimulus also elicit the conditioned response.
What is the significance of spontaneous recovery? Spontaneous recovery demonstrates that extinction is not the same as unlearning; the original association is still stored and can reappear.
How does negative reinforcement strengthen a behavior? Negative reinforcement strengthens a behavior by removing or reducing an unpleasant stimulus when the behavior occurs.
How does punishment differ from negative reinforcement? Punishment aims to decrease a behavior by presenting an aversive stimulus or removing a pleasant one. Negative reinforcement aims to increase a behavior by removing an aversive stimulus.
What is the role of cognitive processes in latent learning, as shown by Tolman’s experiments? Latent learning occurs without immediate reinforcement and is not demonstrated until there is an incentive to do so. This suggests that learning can involve the formation of cognitive maps (mental representations) of the environment.
How does observational learning challenge a strict behaviorist view? Observational learning shows that learning can occur without direct reinforcement or personal experience, simply by watching others, indicating the importance of cognitive and social factors.
Explain the concept of “behavior modification.” Behavior modification is the application of operant conditioning principles to change human behavior, often by using reinforcement to increase desired behaviors and extinction or punishment to decrease unwanted ones.
How can classical conditioning principles be applied in advertising? Advertisers pair their product (NS/CS) with positive images, music, or feelings (UCS) so that the product itself eventually elicits those positive feelings (CR).
A dog salivates to the sound of a bell because the bell has been repeatedly paired with food. The bell is a ________. Conditioned Stimulus (CS).
A teenager cleans their room to stop their parents’ nagging. The cleaning behavior is being maintained by ________. Negative Reinforcement.
After being bitten by a large black dog, a child becomes afraid of all dogs, including small white ones. This is an example of ________. Stimulus Generalization.
A teacher wants to use shaping to teach a student to raise their hand before speaking. What should the teacher do? The teacher should initially reinforce any behavior close to hand-raising (e.g., moving a hand), then require closer approximations (e.g., hand partially raised), and finally only reinforce the full hand-raise.
A rat that has learned to run a maze for a food reward continues to run it correctly even when the reward is removed for several days. When the reward is reintroduced, the rat’s performance improves immediately. This demonstrates ________. Latent Learning.
A child learns a new swear word after hearing a parent say it. This is an example of ________. Observational Learning.
To reduce bullying in school, a principal implements a program where students receive rewards for inclusive behavior. This is an application of ________. Operant Conditioning (specifically, positive reinforcement) or Behavior Modification.
A person who gets food poisoning from a specific food later feels nauseated at the sight or smell of that food. Identify the UCS, CS, and CR in this scenario. UCS: Spoiled food (causes nausea). CS: Sight/smell of the food. CR: Nausea to the sight/smell.
