AP Psychology learning key terms

What is classical conditioning?

A learning process that involves associating a neutral stimulus with a stimulus that elicits a reflexive response.

Difference between operant and classical conditioning

Operant conditioning involves reinforcement and punishment. Classical conditioning involves pairing stimuli.

Fill in the blank: ________ is the reinforcement of successive approximations.

Shaping.

True or false: Learning is only a conscious process.

False, because learning can occur unconsciously.

What is the law of effect?

Behaviors followed by favorable consequences become more likely, while unfavorable consequences become less likely.

Question: What is reinforcement?

Any stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

What is observational learning?

Learning by watching others and imitating their actions.

Define intrinsic motivation.

Engaging in a behavior because it is personally rewarding.

True or false: Punishment always decreases behavior.

True, because it is intended to reduce the likelihood of a behavior.

What is the difference between negative and positive reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement adds a pleasant stimulus, while negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant stimulus.

Describe cognitive dissonance.

The mental discomfort experienced when holding two or more conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes.

What is the role of the amygdala?

Involved in emotion regulation and the processing of fear.

Fill in the blank: ________ refers to the ability to learn from experience.

Adaptability.

What is the Bobo doll experiment?

A study by Albert Bandura demonstrating observational learning through children's imitation of aggressive behavior.

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

False, because memory is reconstructive and can be influenced by many factors.

Difference between short-term and long-term memory.

Short-term memory holds information temporarily; long-term memory can store vast amounts of information indefinitely.

What is the spacing effect?

The phenomenon where information is better retained when study sessions are spaced out over time.

What type of learning occurs through reinforcement schedules?

Operant conditioning.

Define the concept of a fixed-ratio schedule.

A reinforcement schedule that rewards a response only after a specified number of responses.

What is the role of the hippocampus?

Crucial for forming new memories and learning.