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Type of associative learning, famously studied by Ivan Pavlov
Classical Conditioning
Type of associative learning where voluntary behaviors are strengthened or diminished by their consequences,developed by Skinner
Operant Conditioning
Any stimulus that naturally, automatically, and reflexively triggers a specific response without any prior learning or conditioning
Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)
The learned, automatic, and often reflexive reaction to a previously neutral stimulus that occurs after conditioning
Conditioned Response (CR)
Formerly neutral stimulus that, after being repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus (US), comes to trigger a learned, conditioned response (CR).
Conditioned Stimulus (CS)
The initial stage of learning when a response is first established and gradually strengthened
Acquisition
The tendency for a conditioned organism to respond to stimuli similar to the original conditioned stimulus
Generalization
The gradual weakening and disappearance of a learned behavior (Conditioned Response or Operant Behavior) when the reinforcement or associative stimulus is removed
Extinction
Organism’s ability to differentiate between similar stimuli, responding only to a specific conditioned stimulus
Discrimination
Reappearance of a previously extinguished conditioned response (CR) after a rest period, without any new training
Spontaneous Recovery
Type of learning that occurs without immediate reinforcement or observable behavior changes, remaining hidden until an incentive is provided to demonstrate it, developed by Tolman
Latent Learning
Powerful form of classical conditioning where an organism learns to avoid a specific food or taste after it is paired with sickness
Taste Aversions
Operant conditioning concept defined as any consequence that increases the future likelihood of a behavior
Reinforcement
Innate, evolutionary tendency for animals and humans to learn specific associations—particularly those linked to survival—faster than others
Biological Preparedness
Form of non-associative learning where an organism reduces its response to a repeated
Habituation
The tendency of animals to revert to innate, natural behaviors that interfere with conditioned responses, even when continuously reinforced
Instinctive Shift
Operant conditioning concept defined as any consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior recurring.
Punishment
By Seligman, is a psychological state where an individual endures repeated, unavoidable, or uncontrollable negative events, leading them to stop trying to escape similar situations even when escape is possible.
learned helplessness
Stimuli that acquire reinforcing power through learned association with primary reinforcers
Secondary Reinforcers
By Thorndike, states that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences (rewards) are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors followed by unpleasant consequences (punishments) are less likely to occur
Law of Effect
By Bandura, posits that people learn new behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions by observing and imitating others, rather than solely through direct experience
Social Learning Theory
Form of observational learning where an individual learns to exhibit behaviors, emotions, or attitudes by observing the consequences (reinforcement or punishment) experienced by others, rather than through direct experience.
Vicarious conditioning
a type of schedule of reinforcement delivers rewards after an unpredictable, varying number of responses, with the average number remaining consistent
Schedule of reinforcement (VR)
a type of schedule of reinforcement provides a reward for the first correct response only after a set, consistent amount of time has passed.
Schedule of Reinforcement (FI)
the sudden, realization moment or comprehension of a solution to a problem without previous trial-and-error, often occurring after a period of mental reorganization
Insight learning