Chapter 5 Vocab.

  1. Classical conditioning: The process of learning by which a previously neutral stimuli comes to elicit an identical or similar response to one originally elicited by another stimulus as the result of the pairing of the two stimuli.(learning by association)
  1. Conditioned response (CR): An acquired or learned response to a conditioned stimulus.
  1. Conditioned Stimulus (CS): A previously neutral stimulus that comes to elicit a conditioned response after it has bee paired with an unconditioned stimulus.
  1. Method of Successive Approximations: The method used to shape behavior that involves reinforcing ever-closer approximations of the desired response.
  1. Observational learning: Learning by observing and imitating the behavior of others. (also called modeling)
  1. Operant Conditioning: The process of learning in which the manipulation of the consequences of a response influences the likelihood or probability of the response occurring.
  1. Shaping: A process of learning that involves the reinforcement of increasingly closer approximations of the desired response.
  1. Spontaneous recovery: The spontaneous return of a conditioned response following extinction.
  1. Stimulus Discrimination: The tendency to differentiate among stimuli so that stimuli that are related to the original conditioned stimulus, but not identical to it, fail to elicit a conditioned response.
  1. Stimulus generalization: The tendency for stimuli that is similar to the conditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.
  1. Unconditioned response (UR): An unlearned response to a stimulus.
  1. Unconditioned stimulus (US): A stimulus that elicits an unlearned response.
  1. Neutral stimulus (NS): A stimulus that before conditioning does not produce a particular response.
  1. Learning: A relatively permanent change in behavior acquired through experience.
  1. Negative reinforcement: The strengthening of a response through the removal of a stimulus after the response occurs.
  1. Phobias: Excessive fears for particular objects or situations.
  1. Positive reinforcement: The strengthening of a response through the introduction of a stimulus following the response.
  1. Punishment: The introduction of an aversive stimulus or the removal of a reinforcing stimulus after a response occurs, which leads to the weakening or suppression of the response.
  1. Reinforcer: A stimulus event that strengthens the response it follows.
  1. Secondary reinforcers: Learned reinforcers, such as money, that develop their reinforcing properties because of their association with primary reinforcers.
  1. Extinction: The gradual weakening and eventual disappearance of a conditioned response.
  1. Learned Helplessness: The view that depression results from perception of a lack of control over the reinforcements in one’s life that may result from exposure to uncontrollable negative events.
  1. Behavior therapy: A form of therapy that involves the systematic application of the principles of learning.
  1. Primary Reinforcers: Reinforcers, such as food or sexual stimulation that are naturally rewarding because they satisfy basic biological needs or drives.
  1. Fixed ration (FR) schedule: In a fixed ration, reinforcement is given after a specified number of correct responses.
  1. Law of effect: Thorndike’s principle that responses that have satisfying effects are more likely to recur, while those that have unpleasant effects are les likely to recur.
  1. Variable interval (VI) schedule: In a variable interval schedule, the amount of time that must elapse before reinforcement can be given for a correct response is variable rather than fixed.
  1. Variable ration (VR) schedule: In a variable ration, the number of correct responses needed before reinforcement is given varies around some average number.
  1. Fixed Interval (FI) schedule: In fixed interval, reinforcement is given only for a correct response made after a fixed amount of time has elapsed since the last reinforcement.
  1. Insight learning: The process of mentally working through a problem until the sudden realization of a solution occurs.
  1. Schedule of partial reinforcement: A system of dispensing reinforcement for only a portion of responses.
  1. Aversion Therapy:
  1. Latent Learning: Learning that occurs without apparent reinforcement and that is not displayed until reinforcement is provided.
  1. Reflex: An automatic, unlearned response to a stimulus.
  1. Schedule of continuous reinforcement: A system of dispensing reinforcement each time a response is produced.
  1. Cognitive map: A mental representation of an area that helps an organism navigates its way from one point to another.
  1. Discriminative Stimulus: A cue that signals reinforcement is available if the subject makes a particular response.
  1. Token economy program: A form of behavior modification in which tokens earned for performing desired behaviors can be exchanged for positive reinforcers.
  1. Schedules of reinforcement: Predetermined plans for timing the delivery of reinforcement.
  1. Behavior modification: The systematic application of learning principles to strengthen adaptive behavior and weaken maladaptive behavior.
  1. Immune system: The body’s system of defense against disease.
  1. Conditioned taste aversions: Aversion to particular tastes acquired through classical conditioning.
  1. Higher-order conditioning: The process by which a new stimulus comes to elicit a conditioned response as a result of its being paired with a conditioned stimulus that already elicits the conditioned response.
  1. Skinner box: An experimental apparatus developed by B.F. Skinner for studying relationships between reinforcement and behavior.
  1. Escape Learning: The learning of behavior that allow an organism to escape from an aversive stimulus.
  1. Avoidance Learning: The learning of behaviors that allow an organism to avoid an aversive stimulus.
  1. Conditioned emotional reaction (CER): An emotional response to a particular stimulus acquired through classical conditioning.
  1. Superstitious behavior: In Skinner’s view, behavior acquired through coincidental association of a response and reinforcement.
  1. Cognitive learning: Learning that occurs without the opportunity of first performing the learned response or being reinforced for it.
  1. Reconditioning: The process of re learning a conditioned response following extinction.
  1. Implicit learning: learning without conscious awareness of what is learned.
  1. Operant response: an organism’s own behavior.