MCAT psych soc learning and memory review

Classical conditioning → example?

Pavlov's dogs salivating at the sound of a bell. Neutral stimulus (bell) paired with unconditioned stimulus (food) leads to conditioned response (salivation).

True or False: Operant conditioning involves reinforcement.

True - Operant conditioning uses reinforcement or punishment to increase or decrease behaviors.

What is the law of effect?

Behaviors followed by favorable consequences are more likely to occur again, while those followed by unfavorable outcomes are less likely.

Fill in the blank: In classical conditioning, an unconditioned stimulus (US) naturally elicits a __________.

unconditioned response (UR).

Comparing classical and operant conditioning.

- Classical: involuntary, association between stimuli. - Operant: voluntary, association between behavior and consequence.

Observational learning → key theorist?

Albert Bandura, known for the Bobo doll experiment, which demonstrated that children learn behaviors through observation.

Operant conditioning reinforcement schedules.

- Fixed-ratio: reward after specific number of responses. - Variable-ratio: reward after unpredictable number. - Fixed-interval: reward after specific time. - Variable-interval: reward at unpredictable time.

What does 'extinction' refer to in classical conditioning?

The diminishing of a conditioned response when the unconditioned stimulus is no longer presented after the conditioned stimulus.

True or False: Negative reinforcement decreases a behavior.

False - Negative reinforcement increases a behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus.

What is vicarious reinforcement?

The process of learning through observing the consequences of another person's behavior, rather than experiencing it directly.

Cause → Effect: Positive reinforcement.

Cause: A behavior is rewarded. Effect: Increased likelihood of the behavior being repeated.

Example of negative punishment.

Taking away a privilege (like screen time) when a child misbehaves.

Observational learning → key concept?

Modeling - Learning by imitating others' behaviors.

What is spontaneous recovery?

The reappearance of a conditioned response after a pause, following extinction.

Define shaping in operant conditioning.

Gradually training a behavior by reinforcing closer and closer approximations to the desired behavior.

Fill in the blank: The __________ effect refers to a learned behavior being extinguished when reinforcement is removed.

extinction

What are the three stages of memory?

Encoding, storage, and retrieval.

True or False: Working memory is the same as short-term memory.

False. Working memory involves manipulation of information, while short-term memory is about storage.

Fill in the blank: The process of converting sensory input into a form usable in memory is called _____.

Encoding.

What types of long-term memory exist?

Explicit (declarative) and implicit (non-declarative) memory.

Cause → Effect: What effect does sleep have on memory retention?

Sleep enhances memory consolidation, improving retention.

Compare short-term memory and long-term memory.

Short-term: limited capacity (7±2 items), brief duration. Long-term: vast capacity, potentially indefinite duration.

What is retrieval?

The process of accessing stored information from memory.

True or False: Rehearsal improves storage capacity.

True. Rehearsal aids in moving information from short-term to long-term memory.

What is the serial position effect?

The tendency to recall the first and last items in a list better than the middle items.

Examples of explicit memory types.

Episodic memory (personal experiences), semantic memory (facts and knowledge).

What is the function of the hippocampus?

Critical for forming new explicit memories.

Fill in the blank: _____ interference occurs when old memories disrupt new memory formation.

Proactive.

What is semantic memory?

A type of explicit memory for facts and general knowledge.

Cause → Effect: How does emotion affect memory recall?

Emotions enhance memory consolidation and retrieval.

What is the spacing effect?

The phenomenon where spaced-out learning leads to better retention than cramming.

True or False: Memory is a perfect recording of experiences.

False. Memory is reconstructive and can be influenced by beliefs and biases.

What is the principle of spaced repetition?

Spaced repetition is a learning technique where information is reviewed at increasing intervals to enhance long-term retention.

True or false: Operant conditioning is used in behavioral therapies.

True. Operant conditioning principles, such as reinforcement and punishment, are used to modify behaviors in therapies.

Fill in the blank: Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing __________.

thought patterns and behaviors.

Comparison: Classical vs. operant conditioning.

- Classical: associations between stimuli. - Operant: consequences of behavior.

Real-world application of learning theory?

Educational settings use reinforcement methods to encourage student participation and motivation.

How does mnemonics aid memory?

Mnemonics use acronyms or associations to improve recall by creating meaningful links.

What is the role of feedback in learning?

Feedback helps learners understand their performance, correct errors, and reinforce learning through reinforcement.

Cause → Effect: Positive reinforcement in education.

Positive reinforcement leads to increased student engagement and improved learning outcomes.

What are visual aids used for in learning?

Visual aids help illustrate concepts, enhance understanding, and improve memory retention.

True or false: Memory recall can be improved by context.

True. Contextual cues can trigger memories, enhancing recall during tests.

Example: How to apply operant conditioning in parenting.

Parents reward good behavior with praise or privileges, increasing the likelihood of that behavior.

What is the importance of practice in skill acquisition?

Practice solidifies skills through repeated performance, enhancing proficiency and memory of tasks.