MCAT psych/soc foundational concepts: learning theory, memory, sensation and perception, motivation.
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- What is classical conditioning?
- A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus, eventually triggering a conditioned response.
- Define an unconditioned stimulus (UCS).
- A stimulus that naturally triggers an unconditioned response without any prior learning.
- What is a conditioned response (CR)?
- A learned response triggered by a previously neutral stimulus after it has been paired with an unconditioned stimulus.
- What is extinction in classical conditioning?
- The gradual weakening and disappearance of a conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus.
- Define spontaneous recovery.
- The reappearance of a conditioned response after extinction, following a time delay without stimulus exposure.
- What is stimulus generalization?
- The tendency to respond to stimuli similar to the original conditioned stimulus, even without explicit pairing.
- What is stimulus discrimination in classical conditioning?
- The ability to differentiate between the conditioned stimulus and similar stimuli, responding only to the original paired stimulus.
- Define operant conditioning.
- A learning process in which behavior is modified by its consequences through reinforcement or punishment.
- What is positive reinforcement?
- The addition of a desirable consequence after a behavior, increasing the likelihood the behavior will be repeated.
- What is negative reinforcement?
- The removal of an aversive stimulus after a behavior, increasing the likelihood the behavior will be repeated.
- What is positive punishment?
- The addition of an aversive consequence after a behavior, decreasing the likelihood the behavior will be repeated.
- What is negative punishment?
- The removal of a desirable consequence after a behavior, decreasing the likelihood the behavior will be repeated.
- What is a variable ratio schedule of reinforcement?
- Reinforcement occurs after an unpredictable number of correct responses, producing high and steady rates of behavior.
- What is a variable interval schedule of reinforcement?
- Reinforcement occurs at unpredictable time intervals, producing moderate and steady rates of behavior.
- What is a fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement?
- Reinforcement occurs after a set number of correct responses, producing high rates of behavior with brief pauses after reinforcement.