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A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired: a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.

A type of learning where behavior is controlled by consequences. Key concepts in operant conditioning are positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment.

In behavioral psychology, reinforcement is a consequence that will strengthen an organism's future behavior whenever that behavior is preceded by a specific antecedent stimulus.

A consequence that reduces the likelihood of a behavior repeating. It can also be positive or negative.

In behavioral psychology, extinction is the gradual weakening of a conditioned response that results in the behavior decreasing or disappearing.

The tendency for a stimulus that is similar to the original conditioned stimulus to evoke a response that is similar to the conditioned response.

The ability to differentiate between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that have not been paired with an unconditioned stimulus.

A conditioning paradigm used primarily in the experimental analysis of behavior. The method used is differential reinforcement of successive approximations of a target behavior.

Learning by observing others. Also known as social learning theory, it argues that people can learn new information and behaviors by watching other people.

A mental representation of the layout of one's environment. It can be acquired through direct experience or by observing the environment.

Learning that occurs without any obvious reinforcement and is not demonstrated until there is an incentive to do so.

In classical conditioning, a previously neutral stimulus that, after becoming associated with the unconditioned stimulus, eventually comes to trigger a conditioned response.

In classical conditioning, an unconditioned stimulus is anything that naturally and automatically triggers a response without prior learning.

In classical conditioning, the conditioned response is the learned response to the previously neutral stimulus.

In classical conditioning, the unconditioned response is the unlearned response that occurs naturally in reaction to the unconditioned stimulus.

The addition of a rewarding stimulus following a desired behavior, with the intention of increasing the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in the future.

The removal of an aversive stimulus following a desired behavior to increase the probability that the behavior will continue.

The addition of an unpleasant stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a behavior recurring.

The removal of a pleasant stimulus to decrease the probability of a behavior's recurrence.

A schedule of reinforcement where a response is reinforced after an unpredictable number of responses. This schedule creates a high, steady rate of responding.

A schedule of reinforcement where a response is reinforced only after a specified number of responses.

A schedule of reinforcement where a response is rewarded after an unpredictable amount of time has passed.

A schedule of reinforcement where the first response is rewarded only after a specified amount of time has elapsed.

The use of operant conditioning techniques to bring about desired changes in behavior.

A theory of learning and social behavior which proposes that new behaviors can be acquired by observing and imitating others.

The process of observing and imitating a specific behavior from others, especially influential figures.

A form of behavior modification designed to increase desirable behavior and decrease undesirable behavior with the use of tokens.

A psycho-social intervention that aims to improve mental health. CBT focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and the development of personal coping strategies that target solving current problems.

The use of something unpleasant, or a punishment, to stop an unwanted behavior.

A stimulus that has become associated with a primary reinforcer. Also known as conditioned reinforcers, they often have no inherent value but are valuable because they can be used to acquire other items or rewards.

A stimulus that is naturally rewarding, because it is necessary for survival. These types of reinforcers mostly involve things that are necessary such as food, sleep, water, and sex.

Behavior that occurs as an automatic response to some stimulus; Skinner's term for behavior learned through classical conditioning.

Behavior that operates on the environment, producing consequences; Skinner's term for behavior that is strengthened through reinforcement or weakened through punishment.

An operant conditioning-based therapy technique where reinforcement conditions are altered to change behaviors.

A condition in which a person suffers from a sense of powerlessness, arising from a traumatic event or persistent failure to succeed. It is thought to be one of the underlying causes of depression.

A decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated presentations. It is considered a form of non-associative learning.

In operant conditioning, chaining is an instructional procedure that involves reinforcing individual responses occurring in a sequence to form a complex behavior.

The state of being aware of and responsive to one's surroundings. A person's awareness or perception of something.