ESSENTIALS OF UNDERSTANDING PSYCHOLOGY 8TH EDITION By Robert Feldman Powerpoint slides by Kimberly Foreman

CHAPTER FIVE: LEARNING

MODULE 15: Classical Conditioning What is learning? How do we learn to form associations between stimuli and responses?

Learning Relatively permanent change in behavior that is brought about by experience

The Basics of Classical Conditioning Type of learning in which a neutral stimulus comes to elicit a response after being paired with a stimulus that naturally brings about that response Ivan Pavlov

The Basics of Classical Conditioning Neutral stimulus Unconditioned stimulus (UCS) Unconditioned response (UCR) Conditioned stimulus (CS) Conditioned response (CR) Figure 1 of Module 15

Applying Conditioning Principles to Human Behavior “Little Albert” John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner (1920) Phobias Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Extinction Occurs when a previously conditioned response decreases in frequency and eventually disappears Spontaneous Recovery Reemergence of an extinguished conditioned response after a period of rest and with no further conditioning

Generalization and Discrimination Stimulus Generalization Occurs when a conditioned response follows a stimulus that is similar to the original conditioned stimulus Stimulus Discrimination Occurs if two stimuli are sufficiently distinct from one another that one evokes a conditioned response but the other does not

Beyond Traditional Classical Conditioning: Challenging Basic Assumptions John Garcia Found that some organisms – including humans – were biologically prepared to quickly learn to avoid foods that smelled or tasted like something that made them sick Learned taste aversion

MODULE 16: Operant Conditioning What is the role of reward and punishment in learning? What are some practical methods for bringing about behavior change, both in ourselves and in others?

Operant Conditioning Learning in which a voluntary response is strengthened or weakened, depending on its favorable or unfavorable consequences

Thorndike’s Law of Effect Responses that lead to satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated Figure 1 of Module 16

The Basics of Operant Conditioning Reinforcement Process by which a stimulus increases the probability that a preceding behavior will be repeated Reinforcer Primary Secondary

The Basics of Operant Conditioning Positive Reinforcers Stimulus added to the environment that brings about an increase in a preceding response Negative Reinforcers Unpleasant stimulus whose removal leads to an increase in the probability that a preceding response will be repeated

The Basics of Operant Conditioning Punishment Stimulus that decreases the probability that a prior behavior will occur again Positive punishment Adding something Negative punishment Removing something

Schedules of Reinforcement Continuous reinforcement schedule Reinforced every time it occurs Partial (intermittent) reinforcement schedule Reinforced some but not all of the time

Schedules of Reinforcement Fixed-Ratio Schedule Reinforcement is given only after a specific number of responses Variable-Ratio Schedule Occurs after a varying number of responses Figure 4 of Module 16

Schedules of Reinforcement Fixed-Interval Schedule Provides reinforcement for a response only if a fixed time period has elapsed Overall rates of response are relatively low Variable-Interval Schedule Time between reinforcements varies around some average rather than being fixed

Discrimination and Generalization in Operant Conditioning Stimulus control training Behavior is reinforced in the presence of a specific stimulus, but not in its absence Discriminative stimulus Signals the likelihood that reinforcement will follow a response

Shaping: Reinforcing What Doesn’t Come Naturally Process of teaching a complex behavior by rewarding closer and closer approximations of the desired behavior Animal training Textbook organization

Comparing Classical and Operant Conditioning Figure 5 of Module 16

Behavior Analysis and Behavior Modification Techniques Identify goals and target behaviors Design a data-recording system and record preliminary data Select a behavior-change strategy Implement the program Keep careful records after the program is implemented Evaluate and alter the ongoing program

MODULE 17: Cognitive Approaches to Learning What is the role of cognition and thought in learning?

Cognitive Learning Theory Approach that states learning is best understood in terms of thought processes, or cognitions People develop an expectation that they will receive a reinforcer after making a response

Latent Learning New behavior is learned but not demonstrated until some incentive is provided for displaying it Learning occurs without reinforcement

Observational Learning: Learning Through Imitation Learning by watching the behavior of another person, or model Social cognitive approach Albert Bandura Mirror Neurons Fire when one observes another person carrying out a behavior

Violence in Television and Video Games: Does the Media’s Message Matter? Recent research supports the claim that watching high levels of media violence makes viewers more susceptible to acting aggressively

Does Culture Influence How We Learn? Relational learning style People master material best through exposure to a full unit or phenomenon Analytical learning style People master material best when they can carry out an initial analysis of the principles and components underlying a phenomenon or situation