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GRE® Psychology Cognitive: Learning Part 1
This deck covers key concepts in learning theories, particularly classical conditioning, as explored in psychology. It includes definitions, examples, and experiments related to classical conditioning, such as Pavlov's and the Little Albert experiment.
Define: learning
A relatively permanent change in behavior as a result of experience.
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Key Terms
Term
Definition
Define: learning
A relatively permanent change in behavior as a result of experience.
What are the three theories for learning?
1. Classical conditioning 2. Operant conditioning 3. Cognitive learning
Define: classical conditioning
Learning that takes place when two stimuli, one conditioned and one unconditioned, are presented together to induce the same response. For example, Pa...
Define acquisition as it relates to classical conditioning.
Passively learning to give a known response to a new stimulus.
Define stimulus as it relates to classical conditioning.
A change in the environment that brings about a response.
Define response as it relates to classical conditioning.
It is how an organism reacts to a stimulus, either instinctively or through learned associations.
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Define: learning | A relatively permanent change in behavior as a result of experience. |
What are the three theories for learning? | 1. Classical conditioning 2. Operant conditioning 3. Cognitive learning |
Define: classical conditioning | Learning that takes place when two stimuli, one conditioned and one unconditioned, are presented together to induce the same response. For example, Pavlov rang a bell when he was going to feed his dogs. The dogs would naturally salivate when food was presented to them, but over time when Pavlov rang his bell his dogs would salivate even without the presence of food. |
Define acquisition as it relates to classical conditioning. | Passively learning to give a known response to a new stimulus. |
Define stimulus as it relates to classical conditioning. | A change in the environment that brings about a response. |
Define response as it relates to classical conditioning. | It is how an organism reacts to a stimulus, either instinctively or through learned associations. |
Fill in the blank: Stimuli that increase the likelihood of a behavior are called __________. | reinforcers |
Identify the stimulus and the response: When you put food in your mouth, you salivate. | stimulus: food; response: salivation |
What was the premise of Ivan Pavlov’s classical conditioning experiment? | Dogs salivate at the sight of food because they form associations with food and events preceding eating the food. Pavlov sounded a bell right before presenting food, so the dogs would ultimately salivate at the sound of the bell. |
Define in terms of Pavlov’s experiment: neutral stimulus (NS) | Stimulus that initially does not elicit a response until it becomes CS. Pavlov’s example: The NS is the bell because it does not produce salivation until it is paired with the food. |
Define in terms of Pavlov’s experiment: unconditioned stimulus (UCS or US) | Reflexively, automatically brings about a response. Pavlov’s example: Food is the UCS because it automatically brings about salivation. |
Define in terms of Pavlov’s experiment: unconditioned response (UCR or UR) | Automatic, involuntary reaction to the unconditioned stimulus. Pavlov’s example: The UCR is salivation because the dogs automatically salivate when they eat food. |
Define in terms of Pavlov’s experiment: conditioned stimulus (CS) | It starts as neutral stimulus, but when paired with UCS, eventually brings about the conditioned response. Pavlov’s example: The CS is the bell because, when paired with the food, it brought about salivation. |
Define in terms of Pavlov’s experiment: conditioned response (CR) | A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus. Pavlov’s example: Salivation is the CR because the dog learned to salivate in response to the bell. |
How is delayed conditioning timed? | A conditioned stimulus is presented just before the unconditioned stimulus. The greater the delay, the less likely conditioning is to occur. Pavlov’s example: The bell rings just before food is presented. |
How is trace conditioning timed? | A neutral stimulus is presented and then taken away before the unconditioned stimulus appears. Pavlov’s example: Bell rings, followed by a long time lapse, then food is presented. |
How is simultaneous conditioning timed? | A neutral stimulus and unconditioned stimulus are presented together at the same time. Pavlov’s example: The bell rings and food is presented at the same time. |
How is backward conditioning timed? | An unconditioned stimulus is presented before the neutral stimulus. Pavlov’s example: Food is presented before the bell rings. |
Who were the researchers behind the Little Albert experiment? | John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner |
Explain the Little Albert classical conditioning experiment. | • Conditioned a nine-month-old baby named Albert to fear a rat. • Albert wouldn’t cry from the sight of the rat, but cried from loud noise. • Loud noise was played when Albert reached for the rat. • Albert eventually cried at sight of the rat. |
Identify the UCS, UCR, CS, and CR in the Little Albert experiment. | • UCS: loud noise • UCR: fear • CS: white rat • CR: fear |
Define in terms of classical conditioning: extinction | The elimination of the CR through presenting the CS without the UCS repeatedly. Pavlov’s example: ring bell without food, dog will not salivate from bell Little Albert: present rat without loud noise, baby will not cry from rat |
Define in terms of classical conditioning: spontaneous recovery | An original response disappears and then returns later on. Pavlov’s example: salivation from bell stops and then returns Little Albert: baby stops crying from presence of rat and then begins again |
Define in terms of classical conditioning: generalization | A stimuli similar to the CS elicit the CR without any new conditioning. Pavlov’s example: dog salivates from bells with different tones, pitches, or lengths Little Albert: baby cries from other white fluffy stimuli, such as white bunnies or cotton balls |
Define in terms of classical conditioning: discrimination | CR is only produced by the presence of the CS because other stimuli is too dissimilar. Pavlov's example: dog will not salivate to a doorbell or telephone ring Little Albert: baby will not cry at presence of a black rat |