Site MapHelpFeedback

(See related pages)


acquisition (in classical conditioning)  The initial learning of the stimulus-response link, which involves a neutral stimulus being associated with a UCS and becoming a conditioned stimulus (CS) that elicits the CR. p. 199
applied behavior analysis (behavior modification)  The application of operant conditioning principles to change human behavior. p. 214
associative learning  In which a connection is made between two events. p. 195
classical conditioning  Learning by which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus and acquires the capacity to elicit a similar response. p. 198
conditioned response (CR)  The learned response to the conditioned stimulus that occurs after the CS-UCS pairing. p. 198
conditioned stimulus (CS)  A previously neutral stimulus that eventually elicits the conditioned response after being associated with the unconditioned stimulus. p. 198
counterconditioning  A classical conditioning procedure for weakening a CR by associating the fear-provoking stimulus with a new response that is incompatible with the fear. p. 202
discrimination (in classical conditioning)  The process of learning to respond to certain stimuli and not to others. p. 199
disorganized schizophrenia  A type of schizophrenia in which an individual has delusions and hallucinations that have little or no recognizable meaning. p. 421
extinction (in classical conditioning)  The weakening of the conditioned response in the absence of the unconditioned stimulus. p. 200
extinction (in operant conditioning)  A previously reinforced behavior is no longer reinforced, and there is a decreased tendency to perform the behavior. p. 211
generalization (in classical conditioning)  The tendency of a new stimulus that is similar to the original stimulus to elicit a response that is similar to the conditioned response. p. 199
generalization (in operant conditioning)  Giving the same response to similar stimuli. p. 211
insight learning  A form of problem solving in which the organism develops a sudden insight or understanding of the problem's solution. p. 222
instinctive drift  The tendency of animals to revert to instinctive behavior that interferes with learning. p. 196
latent learning  Unreinforced learning that is not immediately reflected in behavior. p. 221
law of effect  Thorndike's concept that behaviors followed by positive outcomes are strengthened, whereas behaviors followed by negative outcomes are weakened. p. 205
learning  A relatively permanent change in behavior that occurs through experience. p. 195
negative reinforcement  The frequency of a behavior increases because it is followed by the removal of an aversive (unpleasant) stimulus. p. 208
observational learning  Also called imitation or modeling; learning that occurs when a person observes and imitates another's behavior. p. 218
operant conditioning  Also called instrumental conditioning; a form of learning in which the consequences of behavior change the probability of the behavior's occurrence. p. 205
positive reinforcement  The frequency of a behavior increases because it is followed by a rewarding stimulus. p. 208
preparedness  The species-specific biological predisposition to learn in certain ways. p. 196
primary reinforcement  The use of reinforcers that are innately satisfying. p. 208
punishment  A consequence that decreases the likelihood a behavior will occur. p. 211
reinforcement  The process by which a stimulus or event strengthens or increases the probability of an event that it follows. p. 207
schedules of reinforcement  "Timetables" that determine when a behavior will be reinforced. p. 209
secondary reinforcement  Acquires its positive value through experience. p. 208
shaping  The process of rewarding approximations of desired behavior. p. 207
spontaneous recovery  The process in classical conditioning by which a conditioned response can recur after a time delay without further conditioning. p. 200
unconditioned response (UCR)  An unlearned response that is automatically elicited by the UCS. p. 198
unconditioned stimulus (UCS)  A stimulus that produces a response without prior learning. p. 198







Psychology Essentials UpdatedOnline Learning Center

Home > Chapter 6 > Glossary