Learning
What is learning?

the process by which experience or
practice results in a relatively permanent
change in behavior or potential behavior

Learning activity
Classical Conditioning

A form of learning in which a response
elicited by one stimulus becomes elicited
by a previously neutral stimulus
Classical Conditioning

Terms
 Unconditioned
stimulus
(US)
 Unconditioned
response (UR)
 Neutral stimulus
 Conditioned stimulus
(CS)
 Conditioned response
(CR)
Classical Conditioning
Temporal contiguity
 Stimulus generalization
 Stimulus discrimination
 Extinction

 Reconditioning
 Spontaneous

recovery
Higher-order conditioning

Come up with at least five examples of
learned (classical conditioning) reaction
patterns from your lives
 Example:
cat comes running when s/he hears
the can opener…

Biological constraints on learning

Classical Conditioning
 Events

 outcomes
Operant Conditioning
 One’s
behavior  outcomes
Operant Conditioning

Reinforcer
↑

likelihood
Punishment
↓
likelihood
A Closer Look at Reinforcement

Positive reinforcer
A
pleasant event that follows an operant
response, increasing the likelihood that the
response will recur

Negative reinforcer
 Strengthens
a given response by removing an
aversive stimuli
Punishment

Positive (“Punisher”)/Negative (“Response
Cost”)

Not the same as negative reinforcement

To be effective, punishment needs to be
 Swift,
sufficient, and certain
Drawbacks of Punishment

Punishment cannot “unteach” unwanted
behaviors.

Punishment can backfire.

Punishment can teach aggression.
Shaping

Reinforcement of successive
approximations to end goal
Schedules of Reinforcement

Continuous Reinforcement Schedule

Partial Reinforcement Schedule
Partial Reinforcement Schedules
Extinction

Learned responses can weaken and
disappear
 In

 In

classical conditioning
Occurs when CS-US pairing lapses
operant conditioning
Occurs when reinforcment is withheld
Spontaneous Recovery

Previously extinguished response
reappears without retraining
 In

 In

classical conditioning
CS predicts US again
operant conditioning
Behavior produces old consequence again
Stimulus Generalization

Tendency to respond to cues similar to
ones we have become conditioned to
 Classical

Stimuli similar to CS will elicit CR
 Operant

Supplying different response to stimulus
Stimulus Discrimination

Learners can be trained not to generalize,
but rather to make a conditioned response
only to a single stimulus.
 Classical

CR is specific to a certain CS-US pairing
 Operant

Reinforcing only specific responses
New Learning Based on
Original Learning

Higher order conditioning
 Conditioning

Primary reinforcer
A

based on previous learning
reinforcer that is rewarding in itself
Secondary reinforcer
A
reinforcer that acquires its reinforcing power
through association with a primary reinforcer
Sensitivity to
Rewards/Punishment

Sensitivity to Punishment
 Score one point for each “yes” response for all
odd-numbered items

Sensitivity to Reward
 Score one point for each “yes” response for all
even-numbered items

Scores range from 0-24
 Higher scores  greater sensitivity
Gray’s Reinforcement
Sensitivity Theory

Behavioral activation system (BAS)

Behavioral inhibition system (BIS)
Observational Learning

We can learn by observing a model, without
firsthand experience by the observer
 Observational learning

Social Learning

Vicarious
Reinforcement
Theorists
Factors Involved in
Observational Learning
Attention
 Retention
 Production Processes
 Motivation

Latent Learning

Learning happens even when not
demonstrated
 Stored

internally
Tolman’s rats
Cognitive Maps
Neuroscience and Learning

Classical and Operant Conditioning 
limbic system
 hippocampus
 Operant  amygdala
 Classical