EXP 4404 0902 Psychology of Learning
Exam 1 Study Guide
Please be aware that all material from the chapters as well as additional information that is
presented during the class period is “fair game” for exam material, whether or not it appears on this
study guide.
Chapter 1
 Know the definition of learning and the terms that we will be using in this course.
 Understand the concept of natural selection.
 Be able to describe and identify examples of reflexes, modal action patterns, and general
behavior traits.
 Be able to describe and identify examples of sensitization.
 Be able to describe and identify examples of habituation.
 Understand the factors that might influence the likelihood of sensitization or habituation.
 Understand the role of neurotransmitters in sensitization and habituation.
 Understand the limits of natural selection.
 Understand the concept of nature via nurture.
Chapter 2
 Understand the concept of an operational definition. Be able to identify examples of an
operational definition in a study.
 Be able to identify the specific ways in which learning may be measured in research studies.
 Be able to identify examples of anecdotal evidence, a case study, and a descriptive study.
 Know the definition of an experimental study, understand the different types of
experimental studies, and know the key terms associated with experimental studies.
 Be familiar with the reasons researchers use animals during research studies.
 Be able to identify common objections to animal research.
 Be able to identify the basic assumptions of the natural science approach to research.
Chapter 3
 Understand the concept of Pavlovian conditioning and how it may be measured.
 Be able to identify the elements of a Pavlovian conditioning procedure (US, CS, UR, CR).
 Understand the concept of higher-order conditioning.
 Be familiar with the variables that may affect Pavlovian conditioning.
 Understand extinction and spontaneous recovery.
 Be familiar with the stimulus-substitution theory and the Wagner-Rescorla Model.
 Be familiar with the various types of Pavlovian conditioning procedures (backward, trace,
delayed, simultaneous).
Chapter 4
 Be familiar with the classic experiment involving Little Albert.
 Understand how Pavlovian conditioning can be seen in advertising, paraphilia, taste
aversions, immune functions, and drug overdoses.
 Be familiar with the main points from the guest lecture on June 29, 2011.