AP Psychology · Unit 4
Learning: every key term you need (+ practice quiz)
24 flashcard terms for AP Psychology Unit 4, written to match the course framework. Study them here, then drill them as interactive flashcards, or test yourself with the 10-question quiz — free, no account needed.
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Learning A relatively permanent change in behavior or knowledge due to experience.
Classical Conditioning Learning to associate two stimuli so that a neutral stimulus triggers a reflexive response.
Ivan Pavlov Discovered classical conditioning while studying salivation in dogs to a bell paired with food.
Unconditioned Stimulus (US) A stimulus that naturally triggers a response without learning, such as food causing salivation.
Unconditioned Response (UR) The natural, unlearned reaction to the unconditioned stimulus, such as salivating to food.
Conditioned Stimulus (CS) A once-neutral stimulus that, after pairing with the US, triggers a learned response.
Conditioned Response (CR) The learned reaction to a previously neutral conditioned stimulus, such as salivating to a bell.
Acquisition The initial stage of learning when a neutral stimulus becomes linked with the unconditioned stimulus.
Extinction The weakening of a conditioned response when the CS is repeatedly presented without the US.
Spontaneous Recovery The reappearance of a weakened conditioned response after a rest period following extinction.
Generalization The tendency to respond to stimuli similar to the original conditioned stimulus.
Discrimination The learned ability to distinguish the conditioned stimulus from other, similar stimuli.
John B. Watson Behaviorist who conditioned fear in 'Little Albert,' showing emotions can be classically conditioned.
Operant Conditioning Learning in which behavior is strengthened or weakened by its consequences (Skinner).
B.F. Skinner Pioneered operant conditioning using the Skinner box to study reinforcement and punishment.
Positive vs Negative Reinforcement Positive adds a pleasant stimulus; negative removes an unpleasant one; both increase behavior.
Punishment A consequence that decreases behavior; positive adds an aversive stimulus, negative removes a pleasant one.
Primary vs Secondary Reinforcer Primary reinforcers satisfy biological needs (food); secondary reinforcers gain value through learning (money).
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Shaping Reinforcing successive approximations to gradually guide behavior toward a desired target.
Fixed-Ratio Schedule Reinforcement after a set number of responses; produces high, steady rates of responding.
Variable-Ratio Schedule Reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses; yields high, persistent responding (e.g., gambling).
Fixed & Variable Interval Fixed-interval reinforces after a set time; variable-interval after unpredictable time periods.
Observational Learning Learning by watching and imitating others; demonstrated in Bandura's Bobo doll study.
Biological Constraints Innate predispositions that make some associations (like taste aversion) easier to learn than others.
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