Download Chapter 6 – Learning I. Learning - Relatively permanent change in

Chapter 6 – Learning I.
Learning - Relatively permanent change in behavior that occurs through experience - 2 main types A. Observational Learning o Learning through watching or observing others B. Associative Learning o A connection is made between 2 events stimuli 1. Classical conditioning  Associations between two stimuli  One event or stimulus follows another 2. Operant Conditioning  Associations between a behavior and consequence  Rewards and punishment II.
Classical Conditioning - A neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus and acquires a capacity to elicit a similar response A. Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) o Can produce a response w/o prior learning B. Unconditioned Response (UCR) o Unlearned, inborn, automatic response C. Conditioned Stimulus (CS) o Neutral stimulus elicits a conditioned response D. Conditioned Response (CR) o Learned response to the CS - Basic processes in classical conditioning A. Acquisition o Initial learning of stimulus o Repeated pairings of UCS with a CS o Contiguity – time interval between CS and UCS o Contingency – predictability of occurrence of one stimulus from the presence of another B. Generalization o New stimulus that is similar to the original elicits a response similar to CR C. Discrimination o Process of learning to respond to certain stimulus and not to others D. Extinction o Weakening of the CR in the absence if the UCS over time o w/o continuous association, CS loses its power E. Spontaneous Recovery o Can recur after a time delay w/o further conditioning - Counter conditioning o A pleasant stimulus is repeatedly paired with a fear provoking object III.
Operant Conditioning - Behavior – consequence  probability of occurrence of behavior - Law of effect o Behavior  positive consequences  strengthen o Behavior  negative consequences  weaken - Shaping o Reward per step o Reinforcement – strengthen o
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1. Positive reinforcement  Reward – give something pleasant 2. Negative reinforcement  Remove something unpleasant Schedules of reinforcement 1. Fixed ratio – set # of responses 2. Variable ration – unpredictable # of responses 3. Fixed interval – specific amount of time 4. Variable interval – unpredictable amount of time Punishment – weaken 1. Positive punishment  Give something unpleasant 2. Negative punishment  Remove something pleasant