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GRE® Psychology Cognitive: Learning Part 2
This deck covers key concepts in operant conditioning and related learning theories, including definitions, examples, and the contributions of notable psychologists.
What is higher-order (a.k.a. second-order) conditioning?
Learning which occurs when a previously learned CS is now used as the US to produce a CR to a new stimulus. Example: Flashing a light before Pavlov's bell would train the dogs to salivate from only the light.
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Key Terms
Term
Definition
What is higher-order (a.k.a. second-order) conditioning?
Learning which occurs when a previously learned CS is now used as the US to produce a CR to a new stimulus. Example: Flashing a light before Pavlov's ...
Define: operant conditioning
Learning that occurs when a subject performs certain voluntary behavior, and the consequences of the behavior determine the likelihood of its recurren...
How did Edward Thorndike contribute to research on operant conditioning?
Put cats in puzzle boxes to demonstrate trial and error in obtaining a fish. Coined the terms 'instrumental learning' and 'Law of Effect'. Through ope...
What is instrumental learning?
Thorndike's term for type of associative learning where a behavior becomes more or less probable depending on its consequence.
Explain the Law of Effect.
Behaviors followed by a positive consequence are strengthened and more likely to occur. Behaviors followed by a negative consequence are weakened and ...
What is a Skinner box?
Operant conditioning chamber for research animals, designed by B.F. Skinner, that contained levers, food dispensers, lights, and an electrified grid.
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
What is higher-order (a.k.a. second-order) conditioning? | Learning which occurs when a previously learned CS is now used as the US to produce a CR to a new stimulus. Example: Flashing a light before Pavlov's bell would train the dogs to salivate from only the light. |
Define: operant conditioning | Learning that occurs when a subject performs certain voluntary behavior, and the consequences of the behavior determine the likelihood of its recurrence. |
How did Edward Thorndike contribute to research on operant conditioning? | Put cats in puzzle boxes to demonstrate trial and error in obtaining a fish. Coined the terms 'instrumental learning' and 'Law of Effect'. Through operant conditioning, behavior that is rewarded is likely to be repeated, and behavior that is punished will rarely occur. |
What is instrumental learning? | Thorndike's term for type of associative learning where a behavior becomes more or less probable depending on its consequence. |
Explain the Law of Effect. | Behaviors followed by a positive consequence are strengthened and more likely to occur. Behaviors followed by a negative consequence are weakened and less likely to occur. It is concluded by Edward Thorndike. |
What is a Skinner box? | Operant conditioning chamber for research animals, designed by B.F. Skinner, that contained levers, food dispensers, lights, and an electrified grid. |
What are the four training procedures of B.F. Skinner's operant conditioning? | 1. Positive reinforcement 2. Negative reinforcement 3. Positive punishment 4. Negative punishment |
Define in terms of operant conditioning: positive reinforcement | A reward training where a behavior is followed by a reinforcer that increases the probability that the behavior will occur again. Example: praise after participating in class |
What is the Premack principle? | A type of positive reinforcement where a more probable behavior is used as a reinforcer for a less probable one. Example: treating yourself to an hour of TV after spending three hours studying for an exam |
Define in terms of operant conditioning: negative reinforcement | The process of increasing a behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus following the behavior. Example: A kid does his chores to avoid getting yelled at. |
What are avoidance and escape behaviors? | 1. Avoidance behavior: takes away the aversive stimulus before it begins. 2. Escape behavior: takes away the aversive stimulus after it has already started. |
Define in terms of operant conditioning: punishment | An unpleasant consequence that follows a voluntary behavior, decreasing the probability the behavior will be repeated; a.k.a. positive punishment. Example: spanking a child for misbehaving |
Define in terms of operant conditioning: omission training | It is removing a rewarding consequence following a voluntary behavior, decreasing the probability the behavior will be repeated. Example: taking away a child's toy after misbehaving |
What is aversive conditioning? | Learning that involves an unpleasant stimulus or reinforcer, such as negative reinforcement and punishment. |
Define: learned helplessness | A state of feeling powerless to change yourself or your situation because of a prior inability to avoid an aversive event. |
What are the three types of reinforcers? | 1. Primary 2. Secondary 3. Generalized |
Define and give an example of: primary reinforcers | Something that is biologically, naturally important and therefore rewarding. Example: food and drink |
Define and give an example of: secondary reinforcers | Something neutral that can become rewarding when associated with a primary reinforcer. Example: gold stars, tokens, points, money |
Define and give an example of: generalized reinforcers | Secondary reinforcer that can be associated with several primary reinforcers. Example: Money can be used to buy food and also other enjoyable items. |
How does a token economy work? | Operant conditioning system; Secondary reinforcers are used to increase acceptable behaviors; Tokens can be exchanged for privileges and prizes; Used in mental hospitals and jails |
Define behavior modification in terms of operant conditioning. | Small steps are rewarded until the intended goal is achieved. Uses the behavioral approach to solve individual, institutional, and societal problems. |
How is shaping used to teach a new behavior? | Positively reinforcing closer and closer approximations of the desired behavior. |
Define chaining as it relates to operant conditioning. | Initially positively reinforcing each behavior in a certain order; later on, rewards only given for completing the whole sequence in order to establish a specific sequence of behaviors |
What is the purpose of reinforcement schedules? | To determine how and when reinforcers will be given to the learner. |
What is a continuous reinforcement schedule? | Provides reinforcement every time the behavior is exhibited by human or animal. |