Psych Notes: Learning

Classical Conditioning
-stimulus occurs before behavior

Operant Conditioning
-behavior/response occurs first
-positive or negative punishment
-positive reinforcement used to increase a desired behavior
-negative reinforcement used to decrease unwanted behavior

Reinforcement Schedules

1. Ratio Schedules
• Fixed Ratio: provides a reinforcement after a set number of responses
• Variable Ratio: provides a reinforcement after a random number of responses
2. Interval Schedules
• Fixed Interval: requires a set amount of time to elapse before giving the reinforcement
• Variable Interval: requires a random amont of time to elapse before giving the reinforcement; very hard to get acquisition but also very resistant to extinction

Observational Learning
-Albert Bandura and his BoBo Doll
-We learn through  modeling behavior from others
-Observational Learning + Operant Conditioning = Social Learning Theory

Latent Learning
-Edward Toleman
-Three-Rat Experiment
-Latent = Hidden
-Sometimes learning is not immediately evident
-Rats needed a reason to display what they learned

Insight Learning
-Wolfgang Kohler and his chimps
-some animals learn through the ah ha experience

Token Economy
-every time a desireed behavior is performed, a token is given
-they can trade tokens in for a variety of prizes (reinforcers)
-used in homes, prisons, mental institutions and schools, etc.