Learning theory

• What is classical conditioning?

  Learning by association of the neutral stimulus
• What is operant conditioning?

  Learning by reinforcement
• Positive reinforcement

   When a behaviour results in the addition of something pleasant
• Negative reinforcement

  When a behaviour results in the subtraction of something unpleasant
• What is the term for stimuli that naturally elicit a response before conditioning?

  Unconditioned stimulus
• What is the term for the response that occurs naturally to an unconditioned stimulus?

  Unconditioned response
• What happens during the conditioning phase of classical conditioning?

  A neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus
• What is the term for a stimulus that does not initially elicit a response?

  Neutral stimulus
• What is the result of conditioning in classical conditioning?

  Conditioned response
• What is the relationship between a conditioned stimulus and a conditioned response?

  The conditioned stimulus elicits the conditioned response
• What are the key components of classical conditioning?

  • Unconditioned stimulus
  • Unconditioned response
  • Neutral stimulus
  • Conditioned stimulus
  • Conditioned response
• How does a neutral stimulus become a conditioned stimulus?

  By being paired with an unconditioned stimulus
• What is the difference between an unconditioned stimulus and a conditioned stimulus?

  An unconditioned stimulus naturally elicits a response
• What is the basis of the learning theory of attachment?

  Infants attach because they need food
• What does evidence from research suggest about the learning theory of attachment?

  It is not supported by evidence
• How do Schaffer and Emerson's findings challenge the learning theory of attachment?

  • Babies develop different types of attachment:
  • Indiscriminant
  • Preference
  • Special preference
  • Multiple
  • Attachment does not have to be food-related
• What types of attachment did Schaffer and Emerson identify?

  Indiscriminant, preference, special preference, multiple
• What does Harlow's monkeys study demonstrate about attachment?

  Monkeys attach regardless of food availability
• In what year was Harlow's monkeys study conducted?

  1958
• What was the main finding of Harlow's monkeys study regarding the cloth mother?

  Monkeys preferred the cloth mother over others
• How do the findings of Harlow's monkeys relate to the learning theory of attachment?

  They show attachment isn't solely based on food
• What is vicarious reinforcement?

  Learning through observing others