Back to AI Flashcard MakerPsychology /AP Psychology ALL Terms Part 4
AP Psychology ALL Terms Part 4
This deck covers essential terms and concepts in AP Psychology, focusing on classical and operant conditioning, memory processes, and learning theories.
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
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Key Terms
Term
Definition
acquisition
the initial stage in classical conditioning; the phase associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus so that the neutral stimulus come...
extinction
the diminishing of a conditioned response; occurs in classical conditioning when an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) does not follow a conditioned stimulu...
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 distinguished between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned s...
operant conditioning
a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by reinforcement or diminished if followed by punishment
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
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 (UCS) 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 distinguished between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus |
operant conditioning | a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by reinforcement or diminished if followed by punishment |
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 ("Skinner box") | a chamber 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 |
shaping | an operant conditioning procedure in which reinforcers guide behavior toward closer and closer approximation of a desired goal |
reinforcer | in operant conditioning, an event that strengthens the behavior it follows |
primary reinforcer | an innately reinforcing stimulus, such as one that satisfies a biological need |
conditioned reinforcer (or secondary reinforcer) | a stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer |
continuous reinforcement | reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs |
partial (intermittent) 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 schedule of reinforcement 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 |
fixed-interval schedule | in operant conditioning, a schedule of reinforcement that reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed. |
variable-interval schedule | in operant conditioning, a schedule of reinforcement that reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals |
punishment | an event that decreases the behavior that it follows |
cognitive map | a mental representation of the layout of one's environment. For example, after exploring a maze, rats act as if they have learned a cognitive map of it. |
latent learning | learning that occurs but is not apparent until there is an incentive to demonstrate it |
overjustification effect | the effect of promising a reward for doing what one already likes to do. The person may now see the reward, rather than intrinsic interest, as the motivation for performing the task. |
observational learning | learning by observing others |
modeling | the process of observing and imitating a specific behavior |
prosocial behavior | positive, constructive, helpful behavior. The opposite of antisocial behavior. |
memory | the persistence of learning over time through the storage and retrieval of information |
flashbulb memory | a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event |
encoding | the processing of information into the memory system--for example, by extracting meaning |
storage | the retention of encoded information over time |
retrieval | the process of getting information out of memory storage |
sensory memory | the immediate, initial recording of sensory information in the memory system |
short-term memory | activated memory that holds a few items briefly, such as the seven digits of a phone number while dialing, before the information is stored or forgotten |
long-term memory | the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system |