acquisition associative learning In classical conditioning, the initial stage, when one links a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus so that the neutral stimulus begins triggering the conditioned response. In operant conditioning, the strengthening of a reinforced response. Learning that certain events occur together. The events may be two stimuli (as in classical conditioning) or a response and its consequences (as in operant conditioning) behaviorism A theoretical orientation based on the premise that scientific psychology should study only observable behavior classical conditioning cognitive map A type of learning in which one learns to link two or more stimuli and anticipate events A mental representation of the layout of one's environment. For example, after exploring a maze, rats act as if they have learned a cognitive map of it.
conditioned reinforcer A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer conditioned response In classical conditioning, the learned response to a previously neutral (but now conditioned) stimulus (CS). conditioned stimulus In classical conditioning, an originally irrelevant stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response continuous reinforcer reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs discrimination Behaving differently, usually unfairly, toward the members of a group.
extinction A term that typically describes a species that no longer has any known living individuals. extrinsic motivation fixed-ratio schedule generalization A desire to perform a behavior due to promised rewards or threats of punishment In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified number of responses A process in which the CR is observed even though the CS is slightly different from the original one used during acquisition intrinsic motivation A desire to perform a behavior for its own sake
latent learning law of effect learning Learning that occurs but is not apparent until there is an incentive to demonstrate it (psychology) the principle that behaviors are selected by their consequences A relatively permanent change in an organism's behavior due to experience. mirror neurons Frontal lobe neurons that fire when performing certain actions or when observing another doing so modeling A therapeutic technique in which the client learns appropriate behavior through imitation of someone else.
observational learning A type of learning that occurs when an organism's responding is influenced by the observation of others, who are called models. operant behavior behavior that operates on the environment, producing consequences operant chamber operant conditioning A chamber also known as Skinner's box, containing a bar or key that an animal can manipulate to obtain a food or water reinforcer, with attached devices to record the animal's rate of bar pressing or key pecking. Used in operant conditioning research. A type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher. overjustification Circumstances when external rewards can undermine the intrinsic satisfaction of performing a behavior
partial reinforcement A type of learning in which behavior is reinforced intermittently primary reinforcer An innately reinforcing stimulus, such as one that satisfies a biological need prosocial behavior Behavior that benefits someone else or society but that generally offers no obvious benefit to the person performing it and may even involve some personal risk or sacrifice. punishment An event that decreases the behavior that it follows. reinforcer A stimulus change that increases the future frequency of behavior that immediately precedes it.
respondent behavior Behavior that occurs as an automatic response to some stimulus shaping An operant conditioning procedure in which reinforcers guide behavior toward closer and closer approximations of the desired behavior. spontaneous recovery Recurrence of an extinguished conditioned response, usually following a rest period unconditioned response unconditioned stimulus In classical conditioning, the unlearned, naturally occurring response to the unconditioned stimulus (US), such as salivation when food is in the mouth. A stimulus that evokes an unconditioned response without previous conditioning
variable-interval schedule In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals