Ch. 5Learning

1. Classical Conditioning A. Pavlov's Conditioning Experiments

Experiment on salivation turns into research on learning B. Elements of Classical Conditioning

Unconditioned stimulus Unlearned, inborn, innate

Unconditioned response Response to unlearned stimulus

Conditioned stimulus Stimulus that is learned

Conditioned response Response to learned stimulus

Elements of Classical Conditioning

Identify the US, UR, CS, and CR in Pavlov’s Experiment

C. Classical Conditioning In Humans Desensitization therapy

Learn to relax in presence of stimulus that used to be upsetting

Taste aversion Learn to connect something revolting to

another food D. Classical Conditioning Is Selective

Preparedness Dark, heights, snakes

2. Operant Conditioning

A. Elements of Operant Conditioning Thorndike's conditioning experiments

Cats in a puzzle box Speed increases over trials

Reinforcer Punisher

Cats in a Puzzle Box

B. Type of Reinforcement Positive reinforcer

Adds something rewarding Negative reinforcer

Avoids something unpleasant C. Punishment - behavior decreases

Should be swift, sufficient, certain Not as effective as reinforcement Not usually permanent

D. Operant Conditioning Is Selective Works best with behaviors that animals would

typically perform in a training situation E. Superstitious Behavior

We tend to repeat behaviors that are followed closely by a reinforcer, even if they are not related

F. Learned Helplessness Failure to try to avoid unpleasant stimulus because

in past it was unavoidable

Learned Helplessness

3. Comparing Classical And Operant Conditioning

A. Response Acquisition Classical conditioning

Naturally occurring responses are attached to conditioned stimulus by pairing that stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus

Operant conditioning Learning process in which desired responses

are followed by reinforcers

Response Acquisition

B. Extinction and Spontaneous Recovery Classical conditioning

Unconditioned and conditioned stimulus are no longer paired

In spontaneous recovery the response may temporarily return without additional training

Operant conditioning Reinforcement is withheld

Extinction and Spontaneous Recovery

C. Generalization and Discrimination in Classical Conditioning Classical conditioning

Generalization - Stimuli resemble each other enough that learners react to both

Discrimination - Learners perceive differences among stimuli and do not react

Operant conditioning Generalization - Similar stimuli generate responses Discrimination - Reinforcement of only specific stimuli

Skinner Box

4. New Learning Based on Original Learning

A. Higher-Order Conditioning in Classical Conditioning Earlier conditioned stimulus used as an unconditioned

stimulus for further training. B. Secondary Reinforcers in Operant

Conditioning Provides ability to obtain primary reinforcer (for

example food)

5. Contingencies A. Contingencies in Classical Conditioning

Conditioned stimulus must provide information about the unconditioned stimulus

B. Contingencies in Operant Conditioning Schedule of reinforcement

Fixed-interval schedule Known time period

Variable-interval schedule Unknown time period

Fixed-ratio schedule Known number of behaviors

Variable-ratio schedule Unknown number of behaviors

Schedules of Reinforcement

6. A Review of Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning

• Classical and operant conditioning share many similarities• Both involve associations between stimuli and

responses• Both are subject to extinction, spontaneous recovery,

generalization and discrimination

7. Cognitive Learning A. Latent Learning and Cognitive Maps

Learning takes place before the subject realizes it Cognitive map is latent learning stored as a mental

image B. Insight and Learning Sets

Learning seems to occur in a “flash” with insight Learning sets refer to increasing effectiveness at

problem solving through experience

Both human and nonhuman animals demonstrate cognitive learning, learning that is not tied to immediate experience by stimuli and reinforcers.

C. Learning by Observing Observational or vicarious learning Social learning theorists Vicarious reinforcement or vicarious punishment

Social learning theory argues that we learn not just from firsthand experience, but also from watching others or by hearing about something.

Social cognitive theory emphasizes that learning a behavior from observing others does not necessarily lead to performing that behavior. We are more likely to imitate behaviors we have seen rewarded.

8. Cognitive Learning in Nonhumans

Nonhumans are capable of classical and operant conditioning, and are capable of latent learning