Models to Explain Learning Terms

Question	Answer
classical conditioning	A form of learning that occurs when two different stimuli are repeatedly paired, which results in the previously neutral stimulus consistently triggering an involuntary, reflexive response that did not occur previously
conditioned stimulus	the stimulus that was previously neutral that has now been paired with the UCS and therefore elicits the conditioned response
unconditioned stimulus	any stimulus that consistently produces a particular naturally occurring/involuntary response which is the unconditioned response
conditioned response	the learned automatic response to the conditioned stimulus
unconditioned response	the automatic/reflexive response that is given when the unconditioned stimulus is presented
neutral stimulus	any object or event that does not normally produce a predictable response
acquisition	the process by which the individual learns to associate two events classical- neutral stimulus and UCR operant- behaviour and consequence
extinction	the gradual decrease in the strength or rate of a response; in classical conditioning, extinction occurs over time when the unconditioned stimulus is not presented; in operant conditioning, extinction occurs over time when reinforcement ceases.
spontaneous recovery	the reappearance of a conditioned response following a rest period and after its apparent extinction. classical- where no UCS was presented operant- where reinforcement had ceased
stimulus generalisation	the tendency for similar stimuli to produce the same, but not necessarily identical, response. classical- similar to the original conditioned stimulus operant- similar to the original reinforced stimulus
stimulus discrimination	classical- when the conditioned response does not occur when another stimulus that is similar to the original conditioned stimulus is presented operant- when the conditioned response does not occur when another stimulus similar to the original reinforced stimulus is presented
operant conditioning	A type of learning for which the consequences of a behaviour (e.g reward or punishment) determine the likelihood that it will be performed again in the future
voluntary behaviour	responses that are initiated by the organism
reinforcement	when a stimulus strengthens or increases the frequency or likelihood of a response that it follows
punishment	the delivery of an unpleasant consequence following a response or the removal of a pleasant consequence following a response.
response cost	When any stimulus valued by an organism is removed, whether or not it causes a response. e.g. speeding fine- also negative punishment (removal of money)
reinforcer	any stimulus that strengthens or increases the frequency or likelihood of a response that it follows
ABC model	A three phase model of operant conditioning involving antecedent which is the stimulus that precedes the behaviour and indicates the consequence, then the behaviour which is the voluntary activity that occurs due to the antecedent, followed by the consequence which is what happens after the behaviour.
ABC model example	antecedent- drink vending machine behaviour- put in $2 consequence- get no drink and lose money Effect on future behaviour- punishment (negative)- less likely to use the vending machine again.
positive reinforcement	involves giving or applying a positive reinforcer after the desired response has been made e.g. given stars for doing homework
negative reinforcement	involves the removal or avoidance of an unpleasant stimulus. e.g. let off doing chores
positive punishment	involves the presentation of a stimulus, thereby decreasing the likelihood of the response occurring again. e.g. running laps for showing up late
negative punishment	involves the removal or loss of a stimulus and thereby decreasing the likelihood of the response occurring again. e.g. removal of tv privilege
observational learning	occurs when someone uses observation of a model's actions and the consequences of those actions to guide their future actions.
social learning theory	an approach to describing and explaining learning that emphasises the importance of the social context in which the learning occurs.
attention	the first step in the process of observational learning and involves closely watching a model's behaviour and its consequences.
motivation	the desire to produce a response that was once observed
reproduction	when the model's behaviour has been closely attended to and retained in memory, we can attempt to reproduce or imitate the observed behaviour. We must however, have the ability to put into practice what we observed.
retention	the second step in the process of observational learning involving memory storage of the observed behaviour so the behaviour may be reproduced when needed.
vicarious conditioning	when an individual observes a model displaying behaviour that is either reinforced or punished and later behaves in the same way, in a modified way, or refrains from doing so as a result of the observation.
vicarious punishment	when an individual observes a model displaying behaviour that is punished, which has the effect of reducing the likelihood of the observer performing that behaviour I a modified or identical way.
vicarious reinforcement	when an individual observes a model displaying behaviour that is reinforced, which has the effect of increasing the likelihood of the observer performing that behaviour in a modified or identical way.
antecedent	the stimulus that precedes the behaviour
behaviour (ABC model)	A voluntary action performed in response to the antecedent
consequence (ABC model)	the event that follows the behaviour that can be either reinforcement or punishment which will determine the likelihood of the behaviour being performed again
self reinforcement	occurs when we are reinforced by meeting certain standards of performance we set for ourselves e.g. goals
external reinforcement	something presented by the environment or other people
vicarious reinforcement	indirectly observing a models behaviour and consequences
positive reinforcer	any desired stimulus when given strengthens or increases the likelihood of a response that it follows
negative reinforcer	any unpleasant stimulus that, when removed, strengthens or increases the likelihood of a response that it follows

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Models to Explain Learning Terms

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	Created by Bonnie McDonald over 7 years ago