Behavioral Science: Learning and Memory

Introduction

• Presenter: Iman
• Platform: YouTube Channel
• Topic: Chapter 3: Learning and Memory
• Objectives:
  1. Learning
  2. Memory
  3. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory

Objective 1: Learning

Key Concepts

• Learning: Acquiring new behaviors
• Stimulus: Anything an organism can respond to
  • Sensory inputs (From Chapter 2)
• Response Changes: Due to frequency and intensity
  • Habituation: Decrease in response from repeated exposure
  • Dishabituation: Recovery of a response after habituation

Types of Learning

1. Associative Learning

   • Classical Conditioning
     • Key Figures: Ivan Pavlov
     • Unconditioned Stimulus: Naturally triggers a response (e.g., meat)
     • Unconditioned Response: Natural reaction (e.g., salivation)
     • Neutral Stimulus: Does not elicit response (e.g., bell)
     • Conditioned Stimulus: Previously neutral, now elicits conditioned response
     • Conditioned Response: Learned response to a conditioned stimulus
     • Processes:
       • Acquisition: Learning to associate stimuli
       • Extinction: Conditioned response diminishes if not reinforced
       • Spontaneous Recovery: Return of conditioned response after extinction
       • Generalization: Similar stimuli elicit conditioned response
       • Discrimination: Distinguishing between similar stimuli
   • Operant Conditioning
     • Key Figures: B.F. Skinner
     • Core Principles: Behaviors are influenced by consequences
     • Reinforcement: Increases likelihood of behavior
       • Positive Reinforcement: Adding a favorable outcome (e.g., money for work)
       • Negative Reinforcement: Removing an unfavorable outcome (e.g., aspirin for headache)
       • Types:
         • Escape Learning: Reducing present unpleasantness (e.g., aspirin for headache)
         • Avoidance Learning: Preventing future unpleasantness (e.g., studying for MCAT)
       • Conditioned Reinforcer/Secondary Reinforcer: Paired with primary to elicit response (e.g., clicker)
     • Punishment: Decreases likelihood of behavior
       • Positive Punishment: Adding unfavorable consequence (e.g., jail for theft)
       • Negative Punishment: Removing favorable consequence (e.g., no TV for bad behavior)
     • Reinforcement Schedules:
       • Fixed Ratio: Reward after specific number of behaviors
       • Variable Ratio: Reward after varying number of behaviors
       • Fixed Interval: Reward after specific time period
       • Variable Interval: Reward after varying time periods
       • Effectiveness: Variable ratio is most effective and resistant to extinction
     • Shaping: Rewarding increasingly specific behaviors
   • Latent Learning: Learning without a reward that is demonstrated when reward is introduced
   • Problem Solving: Trial and error approach or insight
   • Preparedness: Predisposition to learn behaviors that match natural tendencies
   • Instinctive Drift: Difficulty in overcoming natural behaviors

2. Observational Learning

   • Definition: Learning by watching others
   • Key Experiment: Bobo Doll Experiment
   • Points:
     • Not Just Imitation: Can also teach avoidance of behaviors
     • Mirror Neurons: Fire when an action is performed or observed
       • Located in frontal and parietal lobes
       • Involved in motor processes and empathy
     • Modeling: Learning acceptable behaviors by observing others
       • Emphasis on pro-social vs antisocial behavior
       • Actions are more influential than words (do as I do vs. do as I say)

Next Steps

• Next Video: Objective 2 on Memory

Conclusion

• Call to Action: Questions, comments, concerns below
• Encouragement: Good luck and happy studying!