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Roadmap - History of Conditioning Research definitions

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  • Classical Conditioning
    A learning process where a neutral cue becomes linked to a natural reaction, eventually triggering that reaction on its own.
  • Neutral Stimulus
    A cue that initially produces no specific reaction until paired with a meaningful event.
  • Unconditioned Stimulus
    A trigger that naturally and automatically evokes a reaction without prior learning.
  • Conditioned Response
    A learned reaction that occurs when a previously neutral cue now elicits a specific behavior.
  • Little Albert Experiment
    A study demonstrating that emotional and behavioral reactions in humans can be shaped by associative learning.
  • Law of Effect
    A principle stating that actions followed by rewards are likely to recur, while those followed by discomfort are not.
  • Operant Conditioning
    A learning method where voluntary actions are shaped by their consequences, such as rewards or punishments.
  • Reinforcement
    An outcome that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated in the future.
  • Punishment
    A consequence that decreases the probability of a behavior recurring.
  • Skinner Box
    An experimental chamber used to study how animals learn through rewards and consequences.
  • Behavioral Psychology
    A field focused on understanding how observable actions are acquired and modified through learning.
  • Behavior Modification
    A technique applying learning principles to change unwanted actions or encourage desired ones.
  • Environmental Consequences
    Outcomes in the surroundings that influence whether an action is likely to be repeated.
  • Voluntary Behavior
    An action performed by choice, often influenced by anticipated outcomes or consequences.
  • Puzzle Box
    A device used in early research to study how animals solve problems and learn from outcomes.