Learning Models - Eppp Knowledge

What is the conditioned stimulus (CS) in classical conditioning?

A previously neutral stimulus that predicts the US after pairing. Through repeated association with the US, the CS gains the ability to elicit a conditioned response.
What is vicarious reinforcement in social learning theory?

Increased behavior after observing another person being reinforced. Vicarious reinforcement facilitates learning without direct experience, by observing modeled behaviors and outcomes.
Identify the term: learning that a CS predicts a US, producing a new CR.

Acquisition (classical conditioning). This phase establishes the predictive relationship, enabling the CS to evoke the CR through repeated pairings.
What is a discriminative stimulus ( $S^D$ ) in operant conditioning?

A cue signaling that reinforcement is available for a behavior. The $S^D$ controls behavior by indicating contexts where responses lead to reinforcement, guiding operant actions.
What is extinction in classical conditioning?

CR decreases when CS is repeatedly presented without the US. Extinction weakens the conditioned association by breaking the CS-US contingency, reducing response strength.
What is the defining feature of classical conditioning in learning theory?

Learning by association between two stimuli (CS predicts US). Classical conditioning forms associations through repeated pairings of neutral and unconditioned stimuli, leading to predictive responses.
What is spontaneous recovery in classical conditioning?

Return of an extinguished CR after a rest period. Spontaneous recovery demonstrates that extinction suppresses but does not erase the underlying association.
What is the unconditioned stimulus (US) in classical conditioning?

A stimulus that elicits a reflexive response without prior learning. The US naturally triggers an innate reaction, forming the basis for associative learning in classical paradigms.
What is punishment in operant conditioning?

A consequence that decreases the future frequency of a behavior. Punishment suppresses behaviors by linking them to negative consequences, deterring future occurrences.
Which concept best explains why CS-US timing and predictability matter in classical conditioning?

Contingency (CS predicts US) and temporal contiguity. Effective conditioning requires close timing and reliable prediction to form strong stimulus associations.
What is positive punishment in operant conditioning?

Adding an aversive stimulus after behavior to decrease behavior. Positive punishment reduces behavior by applying undesirable stimuli, creating aversion to the action.
Identify the operant procedure: reinforcing successive approximations to a target behavior.

Shaping. Shaping builds complex behaviors gradually by rewarding incremental steps toward the desired outcome.
Which option best distinguishes classical from operant conditioning: stimulus pairing or consequence-driven behavior change?

Classical = stimulus pairing; operant = consequence-driven behavior. Classical involves involuntary responses to paired stimuli, while operant relies on consequences to reinforce voluntary behaviors.
What is stimulus discrimination in classical conditioning?

Responding to the CS but not to similar non-CS stimuli. Discrimination refines learning by limiting responses to the specific CS, enhancing precision in conditioning.
What is stimulus generalization in classical conditioning?

CR occurs to stimuli similar to the original CS. Generalization allows adaptive responses to novel but similar stimuli, extending learned associations.
What is negative reinforcement in operant conditioning?

Removing an aversive stimulus after behavior to increase behavior. Negative reinforcement promotes behaviors by alleviating unpleasant conditions, encouraging escape or avoidance.
What is reinforcement in operant conditioning?

A consequence that increases the future frequency of a behavior. Reinforcement strengthens behaviors by associating them with positive outcomes, increasing repetition likelihood.
What is the defining feature of operant conditioning in learning theory?

Learning in which behavior changes due to its consequences. Operant conditioning modifies voluntary behaviors based on rewards or punishments that follow them, shaping future actions.
What are Bandura's four processes required for observational learning?

Attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation. These processes enable observational learning by ensuring the model is noticed, remembered, replicated, and incentivized.
What is negative punishment in operant conditioning?

Removing a valued stimulus after behavior to decrease behavior. Negative punishment diminishes behavior by withdrawing desirable stimuli, associating loss with the action.
What is the defining feature of cognitive learning models (cognitive approach)?

Learning involves mental representations, expectations, and strategies. Cognitive models focus on internal mental processes like perception and memory that mediate learning beyond mere associations.
What is the conditioned response (CR) in classical conditioning?

A learned response elicited by the CS after conditioning. The CR develops as a result of the learned association between CS and US, mimicking the UR.
What is the defining feature of social learning theory (Bandura)?

Learning via observation and modeling, including vicarious effects. Social learning theory emphasizes acquiring behaviors by watching and imitating models, influenced by observed outcomes.
What is positive reinforcement in operant conditioning?

Adding a stimulus after behavior to increase that behavior. Positive reinforcement enhances behavior frequency by introducing rewarding stimuli following the action.
What is the unconditioned response (UR) in classical conditioning?

An unlearned reflexive response elicited by the US. The UR is an automatic, biological response to the US, independent of conditioning processes.

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