Introduction
This test page offers fun and informal ways to test your knowledge on learning and behaviour.
Key Terms Classical Conditioning
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classical conditioning A process of behavior modification in which a subject learns to respond in a desired manner such that a neutral stimulus (the conditioned stimulus) is repeatedly presented in association with a stimulus (the unconditioned stimulus) that elicits a natural response (the unconditioned response) until the neutral stimulus alone elicits the same response (now called the conditioned response). For example, in Pavlov's experiments, food is the unconditioned stimulus that produces salivation, a reflex or unconditioned response. The bell is the conditioned stimulus, which eventually produces salivation in the absence of food. This salivation is the conditioned response.
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conditioned stimulus In classical conditioning, a formerly neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus (US), comes to produce a conditioned response. For example, a dog salivates (UR) from the smell of a bone (US) naturally, without any conditioning. Once some neutral stimulus (for example, a "beep" that the dog would not naturally or normally cause the dog to salivate) has been paired with the bone for some time, the dog will salivate (conditioned response or CR) when the "beep" occurs. Once the beep has the capacity to elicit the salivation, it is now considered a conditioned stimulus (CS).
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Ivan Pavlov Russian physiologist who studied the digestive system of dogs, investigating the nervous control of salivation and the role of enzymes. His experiments showed that if a bell is rung whenever food is presented to a dog, the dog will eventually salivate when it hears the bell, even if no food is presented. This demonstration of what is known as a conditioned response prompted later scientific studies of human and animal behavior.
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neutral stimulus does not bring about a response
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unconditioned response In classical conditioning, an unconditioned response is the unlearned response that occurs naturally in reaction to the unconditioned stimulus. For example, if the smell of food is the unconditioned stimulus, the feeling of hunger in response to the smell of food is the unconditioned response.
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unconditioned stimulus The unconditioned stimulus is one that unconditionally, naturally, and automatically triggers a response.
Operant Conditioning Key Terms
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EL Thorndike Psychologist who stated the definition of operant conditioning as " responses are learned whenever they are followed by a satisfying state of affairs."
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shaping The process in operant conditioning by reinforcing successive approximations of a desire response until that response is made.
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acquisition likelyhood of a reinforced response increases.
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extinction likelyhood of a reinforced response decreases as reinforcers are withheld.
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spontaneous recovery a previously extinguished response returns after a rest interval.
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reinforcement the process in which a response is made more or less likely.
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positive reinforcement when a stimulus is added making a response more likely to happen again.
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negative reinforcement when a stimulus is taken away (removal of a punishment) to make a response more likely to happen again.
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punishment when a stimulus is added making a response less likely.
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primary reinforcers biological essentials used to make a behavior more likely such as food and water.
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secondary reinforcers learned or acquired reinforcers that will make a behavior more likely such as money, praise, position, power, promotions.
Study Tips from Mrs Fugill and Mr Allen
- Get to class on time and pay attention
- Take GOOD notes and keep them well organised
- Ask questions and listen when others ask questions
- Write and Review your notes after class
- Get a study group together
- Have a calendar that notes all assessment dates
- Give homework and study adequate time
- Ask for more questions on a topic if you still feel a bit shaky at the end of the exercise.
- If you get stuck, make sure you email the teacher your homework problems. Give it a good go though.
- Develop strategies for moving forward when you get stuck
- Use the feedback provided to you by your teacher.
Earn a Certificate (ProProfs)
Test yourself on the key terms of learning and behaviour and receive a certificate of your results on completion of the test.