1. Learning Principles and Applications
Chapter 9
Learning Principles and Applications

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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