Psychology: Classical & Operant Conditioning

What is classical conditioning, and who is credited with its discovery?

Classical conditioning is a type of learning in which a neutral stimulus comes to evoke a response after being repeatedly paired with a stimulus that naturally evokes that response. Ivan Pavlov is credited with its discovery through his work with dogs.

What is operant conditioning, and who is its most prominent theorist?

Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher. B.F. Skinner is the most prominent theorist associated with this concept.

In classical conditioning, what is an unconditioned stimulus (US)?

An unconditioned stimulus (US) is a stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without any prior learning. For example, food naturally causes salivation in a hungry dog.

In classical conditioning, what is an unconditioned response (UR)?

An unconditioned response (UR) is an unlearned, naturally occurring reaction to an unconditioned stimulus. For example, salivation in response to food is an unconditioned response.

In classical conditioning, what is a conditioned stimulus (CS)?

A conditioned stimulus (CS) is an originally neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response. For example, a bell paired with food becomes a conditioned stimulus for salivation.

In classical conditioning, what is a conditioned response (CR)?

A conditioned response (CR) is a learned response to a previously neutral (but now conditioned) stimulus. For example, salivating at the sound of a bell after it has been paired with food is a conditioned response.

What is the role of a neutral stimulus (NS) in classical conditioning?

A neutral stimulus (NS) is a stimulus that initially produces no specific response other than focusing attention. In classical conditioning, it becomes a conditioned stimulus after being repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus.

What is the general definition of reinforcement in operant conditioning?

Reinforcement is any event that strengthens or increases the frequency of a preceding response. It makes a behavior more likely to occur again.

What is the general definition of punishment in operant conditioning?

Punishment is any event that decreases the frequency of a preceding response. It makes a behavior less likely to occur again.

Define positive reinforcement and provide a simple example.

Positive reinforcement involves adding a desirable stimulus after a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. Giving a child candy for cleaning their room is an example.

Define negative reinforcement and provide a simple example.

Negative reinforcement involves removing an aversive stimulus after a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. Taking an aspirin to relieve a headache is an example, as it removes the pain.

Define positive punishment and provide a simple example.

Positive punishment involves administering an aversive stimulus after a behavior to decrease the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. A child getting a verbal reprimand for misbehaving is an example.

Define negative punishment and provide a simple example.

Negative punishment involves removing a desirable stimulus after a behavior to decrease the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. Taking away a teenager's phone privileges for breaking curfew is an example.

What is extinction in the context of both classical and operant conditioning?

In classical conditioning, extinction is the weakening of a conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus. In operant conditioning, it's the decrease in the strength or frequency of a learned response when reinforcement is withheld.

What is spontaneous recovery in classical conditioning?

Spontaneous recovery is the reappearance of a weakened conditioned response after a pause, following extinction. It shows that the conditioned response is not completely unlearned but merely suppressed.