Learning

Most learning is associative learning- learning that certain events occur together.

Types of Learning

Classical Conditioning- Ivan Pavlov

• Unconditional Stimulus (UCS)- a stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response
• Unconditional Response (UCR)- the unlearned, naturally occurring response to the UCS.
• Conditioned Stimulus (CS)- an originally irrelevant stimulus that after association with the UCS, comes to trigger a response
• Conditioned Response (CR)- the learning response to a previously neutral stimulus

Ivan Pavlov studied...

1. Acquisition- the initial stage of learning.

-The phase where the neutral stimulus is associated with the UCS so that the neutral stimulus comes to elicit the CR (thus becoming the CS)

2. Extinction- the diminishing of a conditioned response

3. Spontaneous Recovery- the reappearance after a rest period of an extinguished conditioned response.

4. Generalization- the tendency, once a response has been conditioned for stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus to elicit similar responses.

5. Discrimination- the learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that does not signal stimuli.

Operant Conditioning

- a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by reinforcement or diminished if followed by punishment.

Classical v. Operant

- They both use acquisition, discrimination, SR, Generalization, and extinction.

- Classical conditioning is automatic (respondent behavior)

- Operant conditioning involves behavior where once can influence their environment with behaviors which have consequences (operant behavior)

The Law of Effect

- Edward Thorndike

Law of Effect- rewarded behavior is likely to occur.

B.F. Skinner

Shaping- a procedure in operant condition in which reinforcers guide behavior closer and closer towards a goal.

Reinforcer- any event that strengthens a response by reducing or removing an aversive stimulus

2 Types.. (positive and negative)

Positive Reinforcement: strengthens a response by presenting a stimulus after a response

Negative Reinforcement: strengthens a response by reducing or removing an aversive stimulus

Punishment (2 Types)

- any event that decreases the behavior that follows it

Positive Punishment: i order to decrease an unwanted behavior, something bad is added

Negative Punishment: something good is removed to cause an unwanted behavior to decrease

Primary Reinforcer: innately reinforcing stimulus

Secondary Reinforcer: a stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer.

Reinforcement Schedule

Continuous Reinforcement- reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs

Partial Reinforcement- reinforcing a response only part of the time

• The acquisition process is slower
• Greater resistance to extinction

Fixed Ratio Schedules- a schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified number or responses

Variable Ratio Schedule- a schedule of reinforcement that reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses.

Fixed Interval Schedule- a schedule of reinforcement hat reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed.

Variable Interval Schedule- a schedule of reinforcement that reinfoces a response at unpredictable time intervals.

Token Economy- every time a desired behavior is performed, a token is given.

Reinforcement  

               Continuous                                                                          Partial

reinforcement behavior every                                  some of the time that behavior  

   time behavior is exhibited                                                        is modified

Observational Learning

- Albert Bandura and his Bobo doll
- We learn through modeling behavior from others
-Observational learning plus operant conditioning- social learning theory
Latent Learning- sometimes learning does not immediately happen
Insight Learning- "ah ha" moment.
- Some animals learn through the "ah ha" experience.