Classical and operant conditioning: Cognitive and social learning quiz

🧠 Quick Study Guide: Learning Theories

• 💡 Classical Conditioning (Pavlov): Learning through association. A neutral stimulus (NS) becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) by being paired with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) that naturally elicits an unconditioned response (UCR). Eventually, the CS alone elicits a conditioned response (CR).
• ⚙️ Operant Conditioning (Skinner): Learning through consequences. Behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer and weakened if followed by a punisher. Focuses on voluntary behaviors.
• 📈 Reinforcement: Any consequence that strengthens (increases the likelihood of) a behavior.
  • ➕ Positive Reinforcement: Adding a desirable stimulus (e.g., giving a treat).
  • ➖ Negative Reinforcement: Removing an aversive stimulus (e.g., taking aspirin for a headache).
• 📉 Punishment: Any consequence that weakens (decreases the likelihood of) a behavior.
  • 🚫 Positive Punishment: Adding an aversive stimulus (e.g., getting a speeding ticket).
  • 🛑 Negative Punishment: Removing a desirable stimulus (e.g., taking away phone privileges).
• 🤔 Cognitive Learning: Learning that involves mental processes like thinking, problem-solving, and information processing. Includes insight learning (Kohler) and latent learning (Tolman).
• 👥 Social Learning Theory (Bandura): Learning by observing others (models) and imitating their behavior. Emphasizes observational learning, modeling, and vicarious reinforcement/punishment.
• 🔑 Key Terms: Generalization, Discrimination, Extinction, Spontaneous Recovery (Classical); Schedules of Reinforcement (Operant); Modeling, Self-efficacy (Social).

📝 Practice Quiz: Learning Theories

Choose the best answer for each question.

1. Which scenario best illustrates classical conditioning?

   A. A child learns to say "please" after being given a cookie for doing so.

   B. A dog learns to sit on command because it receives a treat when it does.

   C. A person flinches at the sound of a dentist's drill after experiencing pain during a previous visit.

   D. A student studies harder after seeing a classmate receive a good grade for doing the same.

2. Receiving a bonus check for exceeding sales targets is an example of which type of operant conditioning?

   A. Positive Reinforcement

   B. Negative Reinforcement

   C. Positive Punishment

   D. Negative Punishment

3. In Pavlov's experiments, the salivation to the bell after conditioning is known as the:

   A. Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

   B. Conditioned Response (CR)

   C. Unconditioned Response (UCR)

   D. Neutral Stimulus (NS)

4. A parent takes away a teenager's gaming console for breaking curfew. This is an example of:

   A. Positive Reinforcement

   B. Negative Reinforcement

   C. Positive Punishment

   D. Negative Punishment

5. Wolfgang Köhler's experiments with chimpanzees demonstrating sudden problem-solving abilities (like using tools to reach bananas) are classic examples of which learning theory?

   A. Classical Conditioning

   B. Operant Conditioning

   C. Cognitive Learning (Insight)

   D. Social Learning

6. According to Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory, what is the primary mechanism through which individuals learn new behaviors?

   A. Observation and imitation of models

   B. Direct reinforcement and punishment

   C. Automatic associations between stimuli

   D. Trial and error without external guidance

7. Latent learning is a form of cognitive learning where:

   A. Learning occurs only after explicit reinforcement is provided.

   B. Learning occurs but is not immediately expressed in behavior until incentives are present.

   C. Learning occurs through the direct observation of others' consequences.

   D. Learning is entirely unconscious and cannot be recalled.