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 Reconditioning Spontaneous recovery Higher-order conditioning

Biological constraints on learning 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 Conditioning Events  outcomes Operant Conditioning One’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 reinforcer Strengthens 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 be Swift, 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 to Classical 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 reinforcer A reinforcer that is rewarding in itself Secondary reinforcer A 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 observer Observational learning Social Learning Theorists Vicarious Reinforcement

Factors Involved in Observational Learning Attention Retention Production Processes Motivation

Latent Learning Learning happens even when not demonstrated Stored internally Tolman’s rats

Cognitive Maps

Neuroscience and Learning Classical and Operant Conditioning  limbic system Classical  hippocampus Operant  amygdala