Download Acquisition The gradual formation of an association between the

Acquisition
Associative learning
The gradual formation of an
association between the
conditioned and unconditioned
stimuli. (See page 229)
Linking two stimuli, or events,
that occur together. (see page
224)
Behavior modification
The use of operant-conditioning
techniques to eliminate
unwanted behaviors and
replace them with desirable
ones. (See page 249)
Classical conditioning
(Pavlovian conditioning)
A type of associative learning in
which a neutral object comes to
elicit a response when it is
associated with a stimulus that
already produces that
response. (See page 226)
Cognitive map
A visual/spatial mental
representation of an
environment. (See page 250)
Conditioned response (CR)
A response to a conditioned
stimulus; a response that has
been learned. (See page 227)
Conditioned stimulus (CS)
A stimulus that elicits a
response only after learning
has taken place. (See page
227)
Continuous reinforcement
A type of learning in which
behavior is reinforced each time
it occurs. (See page 245)
Extinction
A process in which the
conditioned response is
weakened when the
conditioned stimulus is
repeated without the
unconditioned stimulus. (See
page 230)
Habituation
A decrease in behavioral
response after repeated
exposure to a stimulus. (See
page 224)
Latent learning
Learning that takes place in the
absence of reinforcement. (See
page 250)
Law of effect
Thorndike's general theory of
learning: Any behavior that
leads to a “satisfying state of
affairs”; is likely to occur again,
and any behavior that leads to
an “annoying state of affairs”; is
less likely to occur again. (See
page 241)
Learning
A relatively enduring change in
behavior, resulting from
experience. (See page 222)
Mirror neurons
Neurons in the brain that are
activated when one observes
another individual engage in an
action and when one performs
a similar action. (See page 259)
Modeling
The imitation of observed
behavior. (See page 256)
Negative punishment
The removal of a stimulus to
decrease the probability of a
behavior's recurring. (See page
246)
Negative reinforcement
The removal of an unpleasant
stimulus to increase the
probability of a behavior's being
repeated. (See page 244)
Nonassociatve learning
Responding after repeated
exposure to a single stimulus or
event. (see page 223)
Observational learning
Acquiring or changing a
behavior after exposure to
another individual performing
that behavior. (See page 224)
Operant conditioning
(instrumental conditioning)
A learning process in which the
consequences of an action
determine the likelihood that it
will be performed in the future.
(See page 240)
Partial reinforcement
A type of learning in which
behavior is reinforced
intermittently. (See page 245)
The greater persistence of
behavior under partial
Partial-reinforcement extinction
reinforcement than under
effect
continuous reinforcement. (See
page 246)
Phobia
An acquired fear that is out of
proportion to the real threat of
an object or of a situation. (See
page 235)
Positive punishment
The administration of a stimulus
to decrease the probability of a
behavior's recurring. (See page
246)
Positive reinforcement
The administration of a stimulus
to increase the probability of a
behavior's being repeated. (See
page 244)
Reinforcer
A stimulus that follows a
response and increases the
likelihood that the response will
be repeated. (See page 241)
Rescorla-Wagner model
A cognitive model of classical
conditioning; it holds that the
strength of the CS-US
association is determined by
the extent to which the
unconditioned stimulus is
unexpected. (See page 233)
Sensitization
An increase in behavioral
response after exposure to a
stimulus. (See page 224)
Shaping
A process of operant
conditioning; it involves
reinforcing behaviors that are
increasing similar to the desired
behavior. (See page 242)
Spontaneous recovery
A process in which a previously
extinguished response
reemerges after the
presentation of the conditioned
stimulus. (See page 230)
Stimulus discrimination
A differentiation between two
similar stimuli when only one of
them is consistently associated
with the unconditioned stimulus.
(See page 231)
Stimulus generalization
Learning that occurs when
stimuli that are similar but not
identical to the conditioned
stimulus produce the
conditioned response. (See
page 230)
Unconditioned response (UR)
A response that does not have
to be learned, such as a reflex.
(See page 227)
Unconditioned stimulus (US)
A stimulus that elicits a
response, such as a reflex,
without any prior learning. (See
page 227)
Vicarious learning
Learning the consequences of
an action by watching others
being rewarded or punished for
performing the action. (See
page 257)
Warning: not all of the key ideas
are on this list of key terms