Back to AI Flashcard MakerPsychology /AP Psych Unit 4 Part 1
AP Psych Unit 4 Part 1
This deck covers key concepts from AP Psychology Unit 4, focusing on associative learning, classical and operant conditioning, and reinforcement schedules.
associative learning
learning that certain events occur together
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Key Terms
Term
Definition
associative learning
learning that certain events occur together
classical conditioning
a type of learning in which an organism comes to associate stimuli. A neutral stimulus that signals an unconditioned stimulus (US) begins to produce a...
learning
relatively permanent change in an organism's behavior due to experience
behaviorism
the view that psychology (1) should be an objective science that (2) studies behavior without reference to mental processes. Most research psychologis...
unconditioned response
in classical conditioning, the unlearned, naturally occurring response to a previously neutral (but now conditioned) stimulus (CS)
unconditioned stimulus
in classical conditioning, a stimulus that unconditionally-naturally and automatically triggers a response
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
associative learning | learning that certain events occur together |
classical conditioning | a type of learning in which an organism comes to associate stimuli. A neutral stimulus that signals an unconditioned stimulus (US) begins to produce a response that anticipates and prepares for the unconditioned stimulus. Also called Pavlovian or respondent conditioning. |
learning | relatively permanent change in an organism's behavior due to experience |
behaviorism | the view that psychology (1) should be an objective science that (2) studies behavior without reference to mental processes. Most research psychologists today agree with (1) but not with (2). |
unconditioned response | in classical conditioning, the unlearned, naturally occurring response to a previously neutral (but now conditioned) stimulus (CS) |
unconditioned stimulus | in classical conditioning, a stimulus that unconditionally-naturally and automatically triggers a response |
conditioned response | in classical conditioning, the learned response to a previously neutral (but now conditioned) stimulus (CS) |
conditioned stimulus | in classical conditioning, an originally irrelevant stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response |
acquisition | The initial stage in classical conditioning; the phase associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus so that the neutral stimulus comes to elicit a conditioned response. In operant conditioning, the strengthening of a reinforced response. |
extinction | the diminishing of a conditioned response; occurs in classical conditioning when an unconditioned stimulus (US) does not follow a conditioned stimulus (CS); occurs in operant conditioning when a response is no longer reinforced. |
spontaneous recovery | the reappearance, after a rest period, of an extinguished conditioned response |
generalization | the tendency, once a response has been conditioned, for stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus to elicit similar responses |
discrimination | in classical conditioning, the learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus |
associative learning | learning that certain events occur together. The events may be two stimuli (as in classical conditioning) or a response and its consequences (as in operant conditioning). |
operant conditioning | a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher |
respondent behavior | behavior that occurs as an automatic response to some stimulus; Skinner's term for behavior learned through classical conditioning. |
operant behavior | behavior that operates on the environment, producing consequences. |
law of effect | Thorndike's principle that behaviors followed by favorable consequences become more likely, and that behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences become less likely |
operant chamber | a chamber also known as a Skinner box, containing a bar or key that an animal can manipulate to obtain a food or water reinforcer, with attached devices to record the animal's rate of bar pressing or key pecking. Used in operant conditioning research. (Myers Psychology 8e p. 327) |
learning | a relatively permanent change in an organism's behavior due to experience |
shaping | an operant conditioning procedure in which reinforcers guide behavior toward closer and closer approximations of the desired behavior |
reinforcer | in operant conditioning, any event that strengthens the behavior it follows |
positive reinforcement | increasing behaviors by presenting positive stimuli, such as food. A positive reinforcer is any stimulus that, when presented after a response, strengthens the response. (Myers Psychology 8e p. 329) |
negative reinforcement | increasing behaviors by stopping or reducing negative stimuli, such as shock. A negative reinforcer is any stimulus that, when removed after a response, strengthens the response. (Note: Negative reinforcement is not punishment.) (Myers Psychology 8e p. 329) |
primary reinforcer | an innately reinforcing stimulus, such as one that satisfies a biological need |
conditioned reinforcer | A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer; also known as secondary reinforcer. |
continuous reinforcement | reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs |
partial reinforcement | reinforcing a response only part of the time; results in slower acquisition of a response but much greater resistance to extinction than does continuous reinforcement |
fixed ratio schedule | in operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified number of responses. |
variable ratio schedule | in operant conditioning, a schedule of reinforcement that reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses |