Exam 3 Study GuideChapter 6: Learning 1. Describe Pavlov's model of classical conditioning and be able to describe these concepts: unconditioned stimuli (UCS) and unconditioned responses (UCR), conditioned stimuli (CS) and conditioned responses (CR).Pavlov used dogs to study classical conditioning, though he discovered it on accident. He would present food to the dogs and they would salivate. During that time, he wouldring a bell in the background. Eventually, Pavlov would ring the bell in the absence of food and the dogs would still salivate.Unconditioned stimulus – stimulus that elicits an automatic response (the food)Unconditioned response – automatic response to a non-neutral stimulus that doesn’t need to be learned (salivating)Conditioned stimuli – initially neutral stimulus that comes to elicit a response due to association with an unconditioned stimulus (the bell)Conditioned response – response previously associated with a non-neutral stimulus that is elicited by a neutral stimulus through conditioning (salivating in response to the bell without the food being present)2. Describe these principles & terms associated with classical conditioning: extinction, acquisition, stimulus generalization, and stimulus discrimination. Extinction – the reduction and elimination of the conditioned response after the conditioned stimulus is presented repeatedly without the unconditioned stimulus; the dogs would eventually stop salivating in response to the bellAcquisition – the phase during which a conditioned response is established; this is when Pavlov presented food to the dogs and rang the bell at the same timeStimulus generalization – similar conditioned stimuli elicit a conditioned response; anything that sounded similar to the bell would cause the dogs to salivate Stimulus discrimination – a conditioned response is exhibited only to a certain stimuli, not similar others; the dogs would only salivate to a bell sound, but not a doorbell chiming3. Explain how complex behaviors can result from classical conditioning & how they emerge in our daily lives. How does this relate to how individuals develop phobias?From learning association we can develop phobias. For example, if a dog attacks us when we are young, we are classically conditioned to be afraid of that breed of dog, or more broadly, all dogs. Through classical conditioning, we are able to associate different experiences with levels of danger and safety. This can lead to phobias because we learn through association to fear a certain stimulus.4. Explain the differences between operant conditioning and classical conditioning.In operant conditioning, learning is controlled by the consequences of the organism’s behavior; in other words, the organism gets something because of the response. However, in classical conditioning, our brains associate two events that are often unrelated. In this way, learning is controlled by our environments.5. What is Thorndike’s law of effect?Thorndike said that if we’re rewarded for a response, we’re more likely to repeat that response. Just like if you sit still and behave at the doctor’s office and receive a lollipop or sticker, you’re more likely to behave well again at the doctor’s office because you want that reward.6. What is reinforcement? Describe its effects on behavior & distinguish negative reinforcement from punishment. Define the following: positive punishment, negative punishment, positive reinforcement, and negative reinforcement. Reinforcement is the outcome or consequence of a behavior that strengthens the probability of the behavior. Punishment is the outcome or consequence of a behavior that weakens the probability of the behavior.Positive reinforcement: presentation of a stimulus that strengthens the probability of the behaviorNegative reinforcement: removal of a stimulus that strengthens the probably of the behaviorPositive punishment: adding a stimulus that the organism wishes to avoidNegative punishment: removing a stimulus that the organism wishes to experienceNegative reinforcement is not punishment, because punishment weakens the probability of a behavior occurring. All negative reinforcement does it remove a stimulus that strengthens the probability of behavior, like when you smell bad and you take a shower; the negative reinforcement is the removal of the smell, and you like smelling good so you are more likely to negatively reinforce that behavior in the future, i.e. shower when you smell bad. 7. Define reinforcement schedules. Describe the four reinforcement schedules and the response patterns that result from each.Reinforcement schedules refer to the patterns of delivering reinforcements.Fixed ratio – reinforcement is provided following a regular number of responses, like having a reward punch card every time you go to a frozen yogurt place.Variable ratio – reinforcement is provided following a specific number of responses on average, with the number varying randomly; an example is gambling. We gamble because perhaps, at some point, we might win, but there is no definite time when we will win.Fixed interval – reinforcement is provided for producing the response at least once following a specified time interval, like checking the mail every day.Variable interval – reinforcement is provided for producing the response at least once during an average time interval, with the interval varying randomly, like posting to facebook.8. What are the applications of operant condition, as discussed in the book and class?Some applications are animal training using shaping by successive approximation and chaining, overcoming procrastination, and token economies.Token economies are wildly successful in psychiatric hospitals and juvenile detention centers. They reward appropriate behaviors with coins or tokens that can be used to “buy” something the person wants after accumulation. For example, if you behave appropriately during checkups and keep your room clean, you get gold coins. After you get 10 gold coins, you can buy your favorite ice cream.9. Describe the latent learning and observational models of learning.Latent learning is learning that is not directly observable. This is like playing violent video games and then conveying an aggressive or violent attitude.Observational learning is learning by watching others. This is like learning motor skills;learning to shoot a basketball can be taught to you by watching others and
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