Learning

Main Question: What can we explain with very basic, association-based learning?
Secondary questions: how is the kind of association different in each?
What types of associations are learned in class & operant? How are they different?

Each variation: which part of association is used?

Types of complexities involved in applying each one.

Basic Models:

Classical Conditioning, UCS, UCR, CS, CR

Operant Conditioning, including Shaping

Variations:

• systematic desensitization
• Stimulus Generalization
• Stimulus Discrimination
• Reinforcement Schedule

Types of complexities in applying conditioning

When you are conditioning someone, how are you opening up to being conditioned?
In shaping, what is the struggle like when switching from step to step of the hierarchy?
What are the effects of such a close observation of another's behavior? (in addition to those described by operant conditioning)
Why do people stop using conditioning systems that are working?
and more

Example Questions

1. Describe a situation from real life or a novel where you felt learned helplessness occurred. Be sure to indicate the source if it's fiction. Describe the kind of experiences they had, and how it is different than just lots of punishment.

5. Like Michael & Melissa's research, describe a situation from real life or a novel where you felt learned helplessness occurred. Be sure to indicate the source if it's fiction. Describe the kind of experiences they had, and how it is different than just lots of punishment.

2. Jennifer is afraid of heights in that ledges, balconies with low railings, and rock climbing scare her a lot. Construct the steps of a stimulus hierarchy that you would use with systematic desensitization. (Should have at least 6-8 steps)

3. Read Ted's case. Identify one part of the treatment that shows application of operant learning principles. Second, notice that the parents stop treatment: discuss one difficulty of applying operant conditioning (even when it works!).

4. Which of the following are complexities involved in operant conditioning? (Circle ALL that are true.) Imagine that Autumn wants to change Andrew's behavior.
a. Andrew (the person being conditioned) often receives conflicting reinforcements from different people.
b. although effective, operant conditioning often feels very harsh to Andrew (the person being conditioned).
c. it is rarely effective in changing Andrew's behavior.
d. operant conditioning may work because it forces Autumn to pay close attention to Andrew's behavior. That attention, rather tan the reinforcement, may make the difference.
e. when moving from reinforcing simpler behavior to reinforcing more complex behavior, Autumn and others may give fewer signals, leaving Andrew feeling lost.

1. A difference between operant conditioning and classical conditioning is
a. classical is adding an association to an instinct, operant is not.
b. classical is learning and operant only has to do with memory.
c. operant is adding an association to an instinct, classical is not.
d. response acquisition only happen in operant.