Summary of the topic of Learning from the Introductory Psychology I module. Given by Dr. Elaine Cameron at The University of Stirling in the autumn semester of 2020. Based on the lectures, the book, and the seminars. Written by Bea Lume Nunes. Note: I passed with a first using these notes - however...
, Table of Contents
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................... 1
Learning ......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Classical Conditioning ........................................................................................................................................ 1
Extinction ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
Operant Conditioning ........................................................................................................................................ 2
The natural elements of operant conditioning ............................................................................................. 3
The cognitive elements of operant conditioning .......................................................................................... 3
Acquisition of Operant Responses ................................................................................................................ 3
Learning
Pavlov's (1902) experiment
Pavlov conditioned a dog to salivate when presented with a tuning fork through conditioning. First
presented only food, then tuning fork and food, until the dog responded to just the fork alone.
Watson – Little Albert
Watson and Rayner performed a controversial study on 'Little Albert'. While Albert was watching
Payner, Watson struck a large steel bar with a hammer, producing a loud noise. The US (loud sound)
was paired with a CS (rat) such that the CS was sufficient to produce the CR (fear).
What does the 'Law of Effect' intend?
The principle that behaviours that are followed by a satisfying situation tend to be repeated and
those that produce an unpleasant state of affairs are less likely to be repeated
Habituation - A general process in which repeated or prolonged exposure to a stimulus, results in a
gradual reduction in responding
Shaping - Learning that results from the reinforcement of successive approximations to a final desired
behaviour
Classical Conditioning
When a stimulus evokes a response because of being paired with a stimulus that naturally evokes a
response
What are the 4 basic elements of classical conditioning?
• Unconditioned Stimulus (US) - Something that reliably produces a naturally occurring
reaction in an organism
• Unconditioned Response (UR) - A reflexive reaction that is reliably elicited by an
unconditioned stimulus
• Conditioned Stimulus (CS) - A stimulus that at first does not produce the response that is
eventually conditioned by pairing with an unconditioned stimulus
• Conditioned Response (CR) - A reaction to a conditioned stimulus produces by pairing it with
an unconditioned stimulus
What would we expect during the acquisition phase?
The phase of classical conditioning when the CS (Conditioned Stimulus) and the US (Unconditioned
Stimulus) are presented together. Acquisition occurs during the initial phase when there is a gradual
increase in learning (gradually increased amount of salivation over several trials)
Bea Lume Nunes | PSYU911/01 ‘20-‘21 1
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller Bealume. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $4.82. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
