Module 4 : How Do Our Experiences Change Us?

example of positive reinforcement (Add pleasant stimulus to increase the behaviour)

-student comes in early to class, we give praise, they continue to come on time

example of negative reinforcement (Remove unpleasant stimulus to increase the behaviour)

-student comes in late, take away their ability to go to the treasure box for a treat -student changes behavior and comes in early to regain that

Skinner Box

A small enclosure in which an animal can make a specific response that is systematically recorded while the consequences of the response are controlled.

unconditioned response (UR)

In classical conditioning, the unlearned, naturally occurring response to the unconditioned stimulus (US), such as salivation when food is in the mouth.

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.

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.)

law of effect

Thorndike's rule that behaviors which have positive outcomes tend to be repeated

Learning

a relatively permanent change in an organism's behavior due to experience

operant conditioning

a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher

classical conditioning

a type of learning in which one learns to link two or more stimuli and anticipate events

Shaping

an operant conditioning procedure in which reinforcers guide behavior toward closer and closer approximations of the desired behavior

second-order conditioning

conditioning where the US is a stimulus that acquired its ability to produce learning from an earlier procedure in which it was used as a CS

Conditional Stimulus (CS)

in classical conditioning, a stimulus that elicits a behavior that is dependent on the way it is paired with the unconditional stimulus (UCS)

neutral stimulus (NS)

in classical conditioning, a stimulus that elicits no response before conditioning

Unconditional Stimulus (US)

in classical conditioning, a stimulus that unconditionally—naturally and automatically—triggers a response.

conditioned response (CR)

in classical conditioning, the learned response to a previously neutral (but now conditioned) stimulus (CS)

observational learning

learning by observing others; also called social learning > both unconscious and conscious

associated learning

learning that certain events will occur together

positive punishment

receiving something unpleasant for a behaviour, so we do not do it again

continuous reinforcement

reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs

example of positive punishment (Add unpleasant stimulus to decrease the behaviour)

spanking, parking ticket

negative punishment

the removal of a stimulus to decrease the probability of a behavior's recurring

example of negative punishment (Remove pleasant stimulus to decrease the behaviour)

time out