Chapter 5 Vocab.
1. Classical conditioning: The process of learning by which a previously neutral
stimuli comes to elicit an identical or similar response to one originally
elicited by another stimulus as the result of the pairing of the two
stimuli.(learning by association)
2. Conditioned response (CR): An acquired or learned response to a
conditioned stimulus.
3. Conditioned Stimulus (CS): A previously neutral stimulus that comes to
elicit a conditioned response after it has bee paired with an unconditioned
stimulus.
4. Method of Successive Approximations: The method used to shape behavior
that involves reinforcing ever-closer approximations of the desired response.
5. Observational learning: Learning by observing and imitating the behavior of
others. (also called modeling)
6. Operant Conditioning: The process of learning in which the manipulation of
the consequences of a response influences the likelihood or probability of the
response occurring.
7. Shaping: A process of learning that involves the reinforcement of
increasingly closer approximations of the desired response.
8. Spontaneous recovery: The spontaneous return of a conditioned response
following extinction.
9. Stimulus Discrimination: The tendency to differentiate among stimuli so that
stimuli that are related to the original conditioned stimulus, but not identical to
it, fail to elicit a conditioned response.
10. Stimulus generalization: The tendency for stimuli that is similar to the
conditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.
11. Unconditioned response (UR): An unlearned response to a stimulus.
12. Unconditioned stimulus (US): A stimulus that elicits an unlearned response.
13. Neutral stimulus (NS): A stimulus that before conditioning does not produce
a particular response.
14. Learning: A relatively permanent change in behavior acquired through
experience.
15. Negative reinforcement: The strengthening of a response through the
removal of a stimulus after the response occurs.
16. Phobias: Excessive fears for particular objects or situations.
17. Positive reinforcement: The strengthening of a response through the
introduction of a stimulus following the response.
18. Punishment: The introduction of an aversive stimulus or the removal of a
reinforcing stimulus after a response occurs, which leads to the weakening or
suppression of the response.
19. Reinforcer: A stimulus event that strengthens the response it follows.
20. Secondary reinforcers: Learned reinforcers, such as money, that develop
their reinforcing properties because of their association with primary
reinforcers.
21. Extinction: The gradual weakening and eventual disappearance of a
conditioned response.
22. Learned Helplessness: The view that depression results from perception of a
lack of control over the reinforcements in one’s life that may result from
exposure to uncontrollable negative events.
23. Behavior therapy: A form of therapy that involves the systematic application
of the principles of learning.
24. Primary Reinforcers: Reinforcers, such as food or sexual stimulation that are
naturally rewarding because they satisfy basic biological needs or drives.
25. Fixed ration (FR) schedule: In a fixed ration, reinforcement is given after a
specified number of correct responses.
26. Law of effect: Thorndike’s principle that responses that have satisfying
effects are more likely to recur, while those that have unpleasant effects are
les likely to recur.
27. Variable interval (VI) schedule: In a variable interval schedule, the amount
of time that must elapse before reinforcement can be given for a correct
response is variable rather than fixed.
28. Variable ration (VR) schedule: In a variable ration, the number of correct
responses needed before reinforcement is given varies around some average
number.
29. Fixed Interval (FI) schedule: In fixed interval, reinforcement is given only
for a correct response made after a fixed amount of time has elapsed since the
last reinforcement.
30. Insight learning: The process of mentally working through a problem until
the sudden realization of a solution occurs.
31. Schedule of partial reinforcement: A system of dispensing reinforcement
for only a portion of responses.
32. Aversion Therapy:
33. Latent Learning: Learning that occurs without apparent reinforcement and
that is not displayed until reinforcement is provided.
34. Reflex: An automatic, unlearned response to a stimulus.
35. Schedule of continuous reinforcement: A system of dispensing
reinforcement each time a response is produced.
36. Cognitive map: A mental representation of an area that helps an organism
navigates its way from one point to another.
37. Discriminative Stimulus: A cue that signals reinforcement is available if the
subject makes a particular response.
38. Token economy program: A form of behavior modification in which tokens
earned for performing desired behaviors can be exchanged for positive
reinforcers.
39. Schedules of reinforcement: Predetermined plans for timing the delivery of
reinforcement.
40. Behavior modification: The systematic application of learning principles to
strengthen adaptive behavior and weaken maladaptive behavior.
41. Immune system: The body’s system of defense against disease.
42. Conditioned taste aversions: Aversion to particular tastes acquired through
classical conditioning.
43. Higher-order conditioning: The process by which a new stimulus comes to
elicit a conditioned response as a result of its being paired with a conditioned
stimulus that already elicits the conditioned response.
44. Skinner box: An experimental apparatus developed by B.F. Skinner for
studying relationships between reinforcement and behavior.
45. Escape Learning: The learning of behavior that allow an organism to escape
from an aversive stimulus.
46. Avoidance Learning: The learning of behaviors that allow an organism to
avoid an aversive stimulus.
47. Conditioned emotional reaction (CER): An emotional response to a
particular stimulus acquired through classical conditioning.
48. Superstitious behavior: In Skinner’s view, behavior acquired through
coincidental association of a response and reinforcement.
49. Cognitive learning: Learning that occurs without the opportunity of first
performing the learned response or being reinforced for it.
50. Reconditioning: The process of re learning a conditioned response following
extinction.
51. Implicit learning: learning without conscious awareness of what is learned.
52. Operant response: an organism’s own behavior.