Behavioural approach

• What is generalisation?

  The conditioned response can occur in the presence of stimuli which are similar but not identical to the conditioned stimulus
• What is discrimination?

  With more conditioning you can respond only to a particular stimulus with a particular tone but never in the presence of a second
• What is classical conditioning?

  A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired and involves reflexes
• What is operant conditioning?

  A learning that takes place because of the consequences of behaviour. This type of learning was investigated by Thorndike
• What is positive reinforcement?

  A reward or pleasant consequence that increases the likelihood that a behaviour or action will be repeated
• What is negative reinforcement?

  When an unpleasant experience is removed after a behaviour or action has been made. This increases the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated
• What is punishment?

  A stimulus that weakens behaviour because it is unpleasant and we try and avoid it
• What is reinforcement schedule?

  A method of using reinforcement to vary the response rate
• What is extinction?

  If the conditioned stimulus is no longer paired with the unconditioned stimulus the condition fades and eventually disappears
• What is spontaneous recovery?

  After extinction you would display the conditioned response again after a brief period of rest
• What is variable ratio reinforcement schedule?

  When a reward is delivered at unpredictable intervals. This type of reinforcement schedule produces a fast response rate and is very resistant to extinction
• What is the primary subject of the behavioral approach discussed in the study material?

  The skinner box experiment
• What type of animal is usually used in the skinner box experiment?

  Rats
• What happens when a rat activates a lever in the skinner box?

  The rat is rewarded with a food pellet
• Why does the rat continue to perform the behavior of activating the lever?

  Because it is rewarded with food
• What was the purpose of the skinner box experiment?

  To show the effect of classical conditioning
• What did Skinner demonstrate about rats and pigeons in his experiments?

  They could be conditioned to perform the same behavior to avoid unpleasant stimuli
• What is an example of a negative reinforcement in the skinner box experiment?

  Pressing the lever to avoid an electric shock
• What does pressing the lever for food illustrate in terms of operant conditioning?

  It shows positive reinforcement
• How does the skinner box experiment relate to the concepts of reinforcement?

  It demonstrates both positive and negative reinforcement
• What are the key components of the skinner box experiment?

  • Use of rats as subjects
  • Activation of a lever for food reward
  • Positive reinforcement through food pellets
  • Negative reinforcement by avoiding electric shocks