Operant Conditioning and Reinforcement

This section introduces operant conditioning and its fundamental principles of reinforcement.

Definition: Operant conditioning is learning through consequences of voluntary behavior.

Vocabulary: The Law of Effect states that desirable consequences increase behavior frequency while undesirable ones decrease it.

Example: Positive reinforcement might involve receiving praise for good behavior, while negative reinforcement could involve removing an annoying noise when a correct response is given.

Page 3: Complex Learning Mechanisms

This page explores advanced concepts in classical conditioning, including acquisition, extinction, and higher-order conditioning.

Vocabulary:

• Acquisition: The point where the NS becomes a CS
• Extinction: When the CS no longer triggers the CR
• Spontaneous Recovery: The unexpected return of an extinct CR
• Higher-Order Conditioning: Conditioning involving three or more stimuli

Highlight: Learning associations aren't permanently deleted during extinction but can resurface through spontaneous recovery.

Example: In higher-order conditioning, a previously conditioned stimulus can serve as an unconditioned stimulus for new learning, creating a chain of associated stimuli.

[Note: Continuing with pages 4-7 would require their content, which wasn't provided in the transcript.]

Learning Processes in Classical Conditioning

The text examines key processes in classical conditioning, focusing on acquisition and extinction.

Definition: Acquisition occurs when the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus by reliably eliciting the conditioned response.

Highlight: Timing is crucial - stimuli must occur close together temporally for conditioning to work.

Vocabulary: Extinction happens when the conditioned stimulus no longer triggers the conditioned response due to broken association.