Review Unit 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.