CPDT-KA - Learning Theory Terminology
- Definitions
Aversive - answer(n) Any stimulus the removal of which is reinforcing; (adj.)
characterizing an event that is likely to be avoided.
Behaviour - answerAnything a person or animal does that can be measured. In practice,
the term usually refers to publicly observable overt behavior. However, behavior that is
available only to the person performing it (such as thinking) may be included if it can be
reliably measured.
Fixed action pattern/modal action pattern. - answerA series of interrelated acts found in
all or nearly all members of a species. Also called , species-specific behavior or species
typical behavior; formerly called instincts. They have a strong genetic component.
General behavior trait - answerAny general behavioral tendency that is strongly
influenced by genes. Examples include introversion and general anxiety. (C?. fi xed
action pattern.)
Habituation - answerA form of classical conditioning - can have only a temporary effect.
Decrease in the intensity or probability of a reflex response resulting from repeated
exposure to a stimulus that elicits that response. Example: a dog that reacts excitedly to
a door bell is subjected to repeated ringing without accompanying visitors, and stops
reacting to the meaningless stimuli.
Learning - answerA change in behavior due to experience.
Mutation - answerAny change in a gene. When the modified gene occurs in a
reproductive cell, the mutation may be passed on to offspring.
Natural selection - answerThe tendency for characteristics that contribute to the survival
of a species to persist and for those that do not to disappear.
Reflex - answerA relationship between a specific event and a simple, involuntary
response to that event. The term usually refers to an unconditional reflex.
Releaser, or releasing stimulus - answerAny stimulus that reliably elicits a fixed action
pattern.
, Sensitization - answerAn increase in the intensity or probability of a reflex response
(reaction becomes stronger) resulting from earlier exposure to a stimulus that elicits that
response. Example: dog barks more strongly every time a doorbell rings, even if no one
is there.
Stimulus - answerAny event that affects, or is capable of affecting, behavior.
Four A's of Learning (Fender) - answerAcquisition
Automatic (fluency)
Application (generalization)
Always (maintain)
Criteria - answerBehavioral demand made on learner.
Contingency - answerStatement of a dependent relationship between events -
"If -> Then"
Theory - answerHow something works.
Principles - answerRules outlining a theory.
Stimulus - answerAny event that can be perceived (detected by the senses) and can
affect an animal's behaviour - e.g. sounds, food, smells, touches, visual signals
Morgan's Canon (can be considered Principle of Parsimony, similar to Occam's Razor) -
answerDo not assume higher psychological process if a simpler explanation
(developmental or evolutionary psychology) will do.
Similar to Occam's razor "think zebras not horses if you hear hoofbeats" - the simplest
answer is often correct.
CC - answerClassical Conditioning
DS - answerDesensitization
CS - answerConditioned(al) stimulus
DS - answerDesensitization
Sc - answerConsequential stimulus
Suc - answerUnconditioned stimulus
Ruc - answerUnconditioned Response
- Definitions
Aversive - answer(n) Any stimulus the removal of which is reinforcing; (adj.)
characterizing an event that is likely to be avoided.
Behaviour - answerAnything a person or animal does that can be measured. In practice,
the term usually refers to publicly observable overt behavior. However, behavior that is
available only to the person performing it (such as thinking) may be included if it can be
reliably measured.
Fixed action pattern/modal action pattern. - answerA series of interrelated acts found in
all or nearly all members of a species. Also called , species-specific behavior or species
typical behavior; formerly called instincts. They have a strong genetic component.
General behavior trait - answerAny general behavioral tendency that is strongly
influenced by genes. Examples include introversion and general anxiety. (C?. fi xed
action pattern.)
Habituation - answerA form of classical conditioning - can have only a temporary effect.
Decrease in the intensity or probability of a reflex response resulting from repeated
exposure to a stimulus that elicits that response. Example: a dog that reacts excitedly to
a door bell is subjected to repeated ringing without accompanying visitors, and stops
reacting to the meaningless stimuli.
Learning - answerA change in behavior due to experience.
Mutation - answerAny change in a gene. When the modified gene occurs in a
reproductive cell, the mutation may be passed on to offspring.
Natural selection - answerThe tendency for characteristics that contribute to the survival
of a species to persist and for those that do not to disappear.
Reflex - answerA relationship between a specific event and a simple, involuntary
response to that event. The term usually refers to an unconditional reflex.
Releaser, or releasing stimulus - answerAny stimulus that reliably elicits a fixed action
pattern.
, Sensitization - answerAn increase in the intensity or probability of a reflex response
(reaction becomes stronger) resulting from earlier exposure to a stimulus that elicits that
response. Example: dog barks more strongly every time a doorbell rings, even if no one
is there.
Stimulus - answerAny event that affects, or is capable of affecting, behavior.
Four A's of Learning (Fender) - answerAcquisition
Automatic (fluency)
Application (generalization)
Always (maintain)
Criteria - answerBehavioral demand made on learner.
Contingency - answerStatement of a dependent relationship between events -
"If -> Then"
Theory - answerHow something works.
Principles - answerRules outlining a theory.
Stimulus - answerAny event that can be perceived (detected by the senses) and can
affect an animal's behaviour - e.g. sounds, food, smells, touches, visual signals
Morgan's Canon (can be considered Principle of Parsimony, similar to Occam's Razor) -
answerDo not assume higher psychological process if a simpler explanation
(developmental or evolutionary psychology) will do.
Similar to Occam's razor "think zebras not horses if you hear hoofbeats" - the simplest
answer is often correct.
CC - answerClassical Conditioning
DS - answerDesensitization
CS - answerConditioned(al) stimulus
DS - answerDesensitization
Sc - answerConsequential stimulus
Suc - answerUnconditioned stimulus
Ruc - answerUnconditioned Response
