Learning Principles and Applications Chapter 9 Learning Principles and Applications

Classical Conditioning Classical conditioning - learning, associating a natural stimuli and a neutral one Learning - permanent change in behavior from experience Ivan Pavlov - psychologist discovered classical conditioning Dog experiment

Pavlov’s experiment Creating a response from conditioning Neutral stimulus - does not initially elicit response (BELL) UCS - unconditioned stimulus - predictable response without training (FOOD FOR THE DOG) UCR - unconditioned response (SALIVATION) CS - conditioned stimulus - once neutral but after training leads to a response (BELL ) CR - conditioned response - once neutral but after training leads to a learned response (SALIVATION)

Sect. 1 cont. Generalization - responds to a 2nd stimulus similar to the original Example - circle = food , oval = food Discrimination - ability to respond differently, never giving food to the oval Example - younger person (dentists drill is like all drills) older person (dentist drill is different) Real life example of classical conditioning - bed wetting alarm Getting stomach flu after eating a certain food, you may always feel sick about that food

Section 2 - Operant Conditioning Operant conditioning - learning from the consequences of behavior Operant conditioning different from classical - how it is conducted / observed Reinforcement - event that increases the likelihood the behavior will be repeated Example - teach a dog to shake Positive reinforce - treat Extinction will happen when you stop rewarding

Sect. 2 cont. Primary reinforce - satisfies biological needs example - hunger and thirst, and sleep Secondary reinforce - paired with primary reinforce through classical conditioning Acquired value and reinforcement Example -- MONEY

Schedules of Reinforcement Timing and frequency of reinforcement 1. Fixed - ratio schedule - specific # of correct responses required before reinforcement example - 5 fouls gets you ejected from a game 2. Variable - ratio schedule - unpredicted # of responses required before reinforcement Example - slot machine 3. Fixed - interval schedule - specific amount of time must elapse before reinforcement Example - check every 2 weeks 4. Variable - interval schedule - response after varying amounts of time Example - surprise quizzes in class

Shaping and chaining Shaping - reinforcement is used to sculpt new responses out of old ones Example - reward an act similar to the desired ones, gradually make it closer to desired Chaining - response chains - learned reactions that follow one another in sequence, each producing a signal for the next Example - swimming (arms, legs, breathing)

Aversive control Aversive control - conditioning where behavior is influenced by means of unpleasant stimuli 2 types: Negative reinforcement and punishment Negative reinforcement - removing or preventing painful stimulus when response occurs Example - taking a stone out of your shoe - B.F. Skinner Escape conditioning - remove unpleasant stimulus Avoidance conditioning - training to prevent an unpleasant stimulus before it begins

End of sect. 2 Punishment - unpleasant consequences occur and decrease the frequency of behavior Example - speeding ticket Disadvantages : Can cause rage, aggression, fear, and avoidance

Section 3 - Social Learning Social learning - behaving by observing or imitating 2 types 1. Cognitive learning - mental processes of learning from observing or imitating Latent learning - learning without immediate change in behavior - finding a building in a part of town you recognize Learned helplessness - tried to control a situation, failed so give up When this occurs the following responses occur: Stop trying, low self-esteem, depression

Sect. 3 cont. 2. Modeling - copying behavior Behavior modification - applying learned principles to change people’s actions and feelings Token economy - receive points, build up points to receive reward