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Ch. 5
 Learning
1. Classical Conditioning
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A. Pavlov's Conditioning Experiments
 Experiment on salivation turns into research on learning
B. Elements of Classical Conditioning
 Unconditioned stimulus
 Unlearned, inborn, innate
 Unconditioned response
 Response to unlearned stimulus
 Conditioned stimulus
 Stimulus that is learned
 Conditioned response
 Response to learned stimulus
Elements of Classical Conditioning
Identify the US, UR, CS, and CR in
Pavlov’s Experiment
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C. Classical Conditioning In Humans
Desensitization therapy
 Learn to relax in presence of stimulus that used
to be upsetting
 Taste aversion
 Learn to connect something revolting to
another food
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D. Classical Conditioning Is Selective
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Preparedness
 Dark, heights, snakes
2. Operant Conditioning
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A. Elements of Operant Conditioning
Thorndike's conditioning experiments
 Cats in a puzzle box
 Speed increases over trials
 Reinforcer
 Punisher
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Cats in a Puzzle Box
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B. Type of Reinforcement
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Positive reinforcer
 Adds something rewarding
Negative reinforcer
 Avoids something unpleasant
C. Punishment - behavior decreases
Should be swift, sufficient, certain
 Not as effective as reinforcement
 Not usually permanent
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D. Operant Conditioning Is Selective
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E. Superstitious Behavior
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Works best with behaviors that animals would
typically perform in a training situation
We tend to repeat behaviors that are followed
closely by a reinforcer, even if they are not related
F. Learned Helplessness
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Failure to try to avoid unpleasant stimulus because
in past it was unavoidable
Learned Helplessness
3. Comparing Classical And
Operant Conditioning
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A. Response Acquisition
Classical conditioning
 Naturally occurring responses are attached to
conditioned stimulus by pairing that stimulus
with the unconditioned stimulus
 Operant conditioning
 Learning process in which desired responses
are followed by reinforcers
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Response Acquisition
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B. Extinction and Spontaneous Recovery
Classical conditioning
 Unconditioned and conditioned stimulus are no
longer paired
 In spontaneous recovery the response may
temporarily return without additional training
 Operant conditioning
 Reinforcement is withheld
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Extinction and Spontaneous
Recovery
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C. Generalization and Discrimination in Classical
Conditioning
 Classical conditioning
 Generalization - Stimuli resemble each other
enough that learners react to both
 Discrimination - Learners perceive differences
among stimuli and do not react
 Operant conditioning
 Generalization - Similar stimuli generate
responses
 Discrimination - Reinforcement of only specific
stimuli
Skinner Box
4. New Learning Based on Original
Learning
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A. Higher-Order Conditioning in Classical
Conditioning
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Earlier conditioned stimulus used as an
unconditioned stimulus for further training.
B. Secondary Reinforcers in Operant
Conditioning
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Provides ability to obtain primary reinforcer (for
example food)
5. Contingencies
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A. Contingencies in Classical Conditioning
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Conditioned stimulus must provide information about the
unconditioned stimulus
B. Contingencies in Operant Conditioning
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Schedule of reinforcement
 Fixed-interval schedule
 Known time period
 Variable-interval schedule
 Unknown time period
 Fixed-ratio schedule
 Known number of behaviors
 Variable-ratio schedule
 Unknown number of behaviors
Schedules of Reinforcement
6. A Review of Classical Conditioning
and Operant Conditioning
•
Classical and operant conditioning share many
similarities
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Both involve associations between stimuli and
responses
Both are subject to extinction, spontaneous recovery,
generalization and discrimination
7. Cognitive Learning
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A. Latent Learning and Cognitive Maps
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Learning takes place before the subject realizes it
Cognitive map is latent learning stored as a mental
image
B. Insight and Learning Sets
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Learning seems to occur in a “flash” with insight
Learning sets refer to increasing effectiveness at
problem solving through experience
Both human and nonhuman animals demonstrate
cognitive learning, learning that is not tied to
immediate experience by stimuli and reinforcers.
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C. Learning by Observing
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Observational or vicarious learning
Social learning theorists
Vicarious reinforcement or vicarious punishment
Social learning theory argues that we learn not
just from firsthand experience, but also from
watching others or by hearing about something.
Social cognitive theory emphasizes that learning a behavior from
observing others does not necessarily lead to performing that behavior.
We are more likely to imitate behaviors we have seen rewarded.
8. Cognitive Learning in Nonhumans
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Nonhumans are capable of classical and
operant conditioning, and are capable of latent
learning