Chapter 10: Learning

also seeks to decrease the frequency of behavior by withholding the reward until the desired behavior is demonstrated.

is a method of teaching that involves linking new information to existing knowledge.

________ have tried to identify the neural correlates of learning.

proposed that human learning takes place by neurons forming new connections with one another or by the strengthening of connections that already exist.

takes place when the pairing of the natural and neutral stimuli (the loud noise and the rat) have occurred with enough frequency that the neutral stimulus alone will elicit the conditional response (cringing and crying)

pioneered the study of operant conditioning, although the phenomenon first was discovered by Edward L. Thorndike, who proposed the law of effect, which states that a behavior is more likely to recur if reinforced.

refers to people learning to alter their physiological processes by various cognitive control techniques.

are also implicated in learning, particularly in humans.

is the process by which a behavior is followed by a consequence that decreases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated.

strengthen the synapses between the sensory neurons (the ones that sense the touch) and the motor neurons (the ones that withdraw the gill) involved.

The ________ of learning is of great interest to psychologists.

A physiological change that correlates with a relatively stable change in behavior as a result of experience.

________ use specific terms for the various stimuli in classical conditioning.

is the removal of an aversive event in order to encourage the behavior.

refers to a decreased responsiveness to an aversive stimulus after repeated exposure.

is a phenomenon frequently discussed in the debate over violence in the media.

________ found that when a strong stimulus, such as a shock, happens repeatedly, special neurons called modulatory neurons release neuromodulators.

________, a neuroscientist, examined classical conditioning in Aplysia.

is a management theory that suggests that the most effective way to manage a situation is to assess the needs of the situation and then tailor the management approach to those needs.

conducted some of the most important research on social learning.

occurs when a neutral stimulus, paired with a previously meaningful stimulus, eventually takes on some meaning itself.

is a reward or event that increases the likelihood that a particular type of response will be repeated.

A combination of reinforcers and punishers designed to alter behavior

A physiological change that correlates with a relatively stable change in behavior as a result of experience

This occurs when we puzzle over a solution to a problem, unsuccessfully, and then suddenly the complete solution appears to us

is a relatively permanent or stable change in behavior as a result of experience.

occurs when an organism is repeatedly exposed to one type of stimulus.

is the initially neutral stimulus—in our example, the light.

is the initially meaningful stimulus.

takes place when the pairing of the natural and neutral stimuli (the loud noise and the rat) have occurred with enough frequency that the neutral stimulus alone will elicit the conditional response (cringing and crying).

or the elimination of the conditioned response, can be achieved by presenting the CS without the US repeatedly (in other words, the white rat without the loud noise).

in which the original response disappears on its own, but then is elicited again by the previous CS at a later time, is also possible under certain circumstances.

is a method of teaching that involves linking new information to existing knowledge.

(also called instrumental conditioning) involves an organism’s learning to make a response in order to obtain a reward or avoid punishment.

is a type of operant conditioning that involves reinforcing a behavior that is gradually getting closer to the desired behavior.

is provided by learned reinforcers.

also seeks to decrease the frequency of behavior by withholding the reward until the desired behavior is demonstrated.

refers to the frequency with which an organism receives reinforcement for a given type of response.

every correct response that is emitted results in a reward.

is one in which the reward always occurs after a fixed number of responses.

is one in which the ratio of responses to reinforcement is variable and unpredictable.

is one in which reinforcement is presented as a function of fixed periods of time, as long as there is at least one response.

reinforcement is presented at differing time intervals, as long as there is at least one response.

is the process by which a behavior is followed by a consequence that decreases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated.

A combination of reinforcers and punishers designed to alter behavior.

an artificial economy based on tokens.

occurs when consistent efforts fail to bring rewards.

proposed that human learning takes place by neurons forming new connections with one another or by the strengthening of connections that already exist.

a neuroscientist, examined classical conditioning in Aplysia.

strengthen the synapses between the sensory neurons (the ones that sense the touch) and the motor neurons (the ones that withdraw the gill) involved.

(also called observational learning), which is learning based on observing the behavior of others as well as the consequences of that behavior.

conducted some of the most important research on social learning.

is a process in which a response that has been learned in response to a particular stimulus is also given in response to similar stimuli.