Psychology: Learning

Fixed interval schedule

Reinforcement is given after a preset amount of time has passed between responses

Variable Interval Schedule

Reinforcement is given after a varying amount of time

Observational Learning

A form of learning by watching others

Classical Conditioning

A form of learning in which a previously neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditoned stimulus and thus elicits a new response

Operant Conditioning

A form of learning that occurs as a result of a response to positive reinforcement

Latent Learning

A form of learning that occurs without anyones direct knowledge but that displays itself at a later time

Conditioned Response

A learned reaction to previously neutral stimulus

Conditoned Stimulus

A previously neutral stimulus after pairing with the unconditioned stimulus elicits a new response

Primary Reinforcer

A reinforcer that satisfies a basic biological need and is used after a desired behavior occurs

Reinforcement

A stimulus or event that follows a response and increases the frequency of that response

Unconditioned Response

Automatic, unlearned reaction to stimulus

Secondary Reinforcer

Incentives that are not necessary, but which serves as rewards

Punishment

Occurrence that follows an undesirable behavior in an effort to decrease the likelihood that it will occur again.

Discrimination

Process in which organism does not respond to a specific stimulus in the same way it would to a similar stimulus

Generalization

Process in which organism exhibits a conditoned response to the new stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus

Fixed Variable

Reinforcement is given after a varying number of responses has been given by the subject

Fixed ratio schedule

Reinforcment is given after the same number of responses are given by a subject

Unconditoned Stimulus

Something that causes an automatic response without any conditioning

Extinction

The gradual loss of a conditoned response after the conditioned stimulus is withdrawn

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after some time has passed

Shaping

The reinforcement of responses that come closer and closer to the desired behavior

Positive reinforcement

The strengthening of a desired behavior by giving a reward after the desired behavior takes place

Neg reinforcement

The strengthening of a desired behavior by taking away an unpleasent stimulus