Flashcards
March 9th
Cards in this deck (15)
- 1Negative reinforcementA behavior is more likely to be repeated if it results in the removal or avoidance of an unpleasant (aversive) stimulus
- 2Escape behaviorWhen performance of a behavior terminates the aversive stimulus. Ex) Killing a mosquito removes biting insect
- 3Avoidance behaviorPerformance of the behavior prevents the aversive stimuli from occurring. Ex) Applying bug spray to repel biting bugs
- 4Escape vs. Avoidance behaviorThe escape behavior precedes the avoidance behavior. You must experience the aversive stimuli to intend to avoid it.
- 5Shuttle avoidance procedureWhen an animal has to shuttle back and forth in a box to avoid aversive stimulus.
- 6Two process theory of avoidanceTwo processes
1. Classical conditioning of a fear response to a CS (ex: light (cs) -> fear (cr)
2. Operant conditioning in which avoidance of the CS is negatively reinforced by a reduction in fear. - 7Problems with the two process theory- Avoidance behaviors are persistent (hard to extinct)
- Anxiety conservation hypothesis
- Incubation
- Observable fear subsides, but behavior remains - 8Anxiety conservation hypothesisLimited exposure to the aversive CS makes it difficult to extinct the elicited response. If the CS was exposed longer, the possibility for full extinction would be back.
- 9Alternatives to Two Process Theory1. One process theory -> the avoidance behavior is negatively reinforced by lack of aversive exposure (no assumption of fear)
2. Species-specific defense reaction theory -> avoidance behaviors are innate, not operant. every specie has a different reaction. - 10Avoidance vs. Phobia- Avoidance of phobia inducing stimuli require more complex planning than experimental avoidance
- Human phobias avoid the aversive CS whereas experimental avoidance avoids the aversive US
- Experimental avoidance conditions less readily compared to phobias - 11Stampfl's experimentThe phobic individual learns to make the avoidance response early on in the chain of events so as to minimize the effort of avoiding. (Ex: doctor's appt on main floor to avoid elevators & taking stairs)
- 12Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)Cognitive and behavioral symptoms of severe anxiety avoidance, involves obsession and compulsion to alleviate obsessions.
- 13Avoidance vs. OCD- Obsessions are root of extreme anxiety
- Compulsions act to ease anxiety by caring for obsessions
Ex) fear of germs/sickness -> constantly cleaning hands - 14Exposure and response prevention (ERP)Exposure to the object of obsession (ex: garbage can full of germs) w/o engaging in the compulsive response (ex: hand washing) = extinction over time
- 15Phobic vs. OCD avoidancePhobic -> plan to avoid aversive stimulus/situation
OCD -> react to aversive stimulus to reduce associated fear/anxiety