Units of Which Behavior Is Composed. Knowl
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Cognition and Performance: the Relation to Neural Mechanisms of Consequence, Confidence, and Competence
2 COGNITION AND PERFORMANCE: THE RELATION TO NEURAL MECHANISMS OF CONSEQUENCE, CONFIDENCE, AND COMPETENCE Karl H. Pribram Stanford University. California INTRODUCTION In 1968 at a UNESCO meeting on brain and human behavior, Skinner stated that he was interested in the environmental contingencies that produce reinforce ment. I remarked that if this were so, then reinforcement must be conceived as a process whose locus could be nowhere else than the brain. In contributing this chapter, then, I take the opportunity in examining some of the issues that have made the concept of reinforcement, from a structural point of view, so central in behavior theory. Skinner (1976) has clearly opted for a descriptive functionalism in his search for the laws governing behavior. Those of us contributing to this volume are, for the most part, searching for process and mechanism. This ap proach shows kinship with cognitive psychology, and one of the staples of cog- . nitive psychology is the distinction between surface and deep structure, between performance and competence. Thus one of the aims of this chapter will be to bridge the current chasm between functional behavior theory and the structures of cognitive psychology. These "structures" are conceived as patterns describing processes (see, e.g., Saussure, 1922; Miller, Galanter, & Pribram, 1960; Merleau Ponty, 1963). Thus, the keystone to the bridge between behavioral performances (processes of organism-environment interaction) and structural competence (neural processes) may well be furnished by the concept of reinforcement, a concept that was originally invoked to explain learning, i.e., sustained changes in behavior. Biology of Reinforcement Copyright © 1980 Academic Press, Inc. -
3 Learning and Conservation Behavior: an Introduction and Overview
3 Learning and conservation behavior: an introduction and overview ZACHARY SCHAKNER AND DANIEL T. BLUMSTEIN 3.1 CONCEPTUAL BACKGROUND Learning is a key aspect of behavior that may greatly enhance the survival and fecundity of animals, especially in a changing environ- ment. Wildlife conservation problems often involve increasing the population of threatened or endangered species, decreasing the popu- lation of species deemed over abundant or encouraging animals to move to or from certain areas. Learning is an example of reversible plasticity (for review see Dukas 2009), which typically remains open to change throughout life. Old associations can be replaced, relearned and reinstated, facilitating behavioral modifications across an individual’s lifetime. Because learning is potentially demographically important, and because it can be used to modify individual’s behavior, it may therefore be an important tool for conservation behaviorists (Blumstein &Ferna´ndez-Juricic 2010). Our aim in this chapter is to introduce the fundamentals of learning that will later be developed and applied in subsequent chapters. Animal learning theory defines learning as experience that elicits a change in behavior (Rescorla 1988, Heyes 1994). There are three basic mechanisms, or types of experiences, that underlie animal learning. The simplest learning process is non-associative because it involves an indivi- dual’s experience with a single stimulus. During this process, exposure to thesinglestimulusresultsinachangeinthemagnitudeofresponseupon subsequent exposures to that stimulus. If the response increases, the processiscalledsensitization; if the response decreases, the process is called habituation. More complex associative learning mechanisms involve a change in behavior as a result of experience with two stimuli through Pavlovian conditioning (also referred to as classical conditioning), Conservation Behavior: Applying Behavioral Ecology to Wildlife Conservation and Management,eds.O.Berger- Tal and D. -
The Essence of Scientific and Engineering Thinking and Tools to Promote It
Paper ID #18172 The Essence of Scientific and Engineering Thinking and Tools to Promote It Prof. Osman Yasar, State University of New York, Brockport Osman Yasar is an endowed professor and director of the CMST Institute at The College at Brockport, SUNY. He established the first undergraduate degree program in computational science in the United States and developed a computational pedagogical content knowledge (CPACK) framework for teacher education. His research interests include engineering and science education, computational pedagogy, computational and scientific thinking as well as fluid dynamics, engine ignition modeling, and parallel computing. Yasar has a PhD in engineering physics and two MSs in computer science and nuclear engi- neering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He graduated with a BS in engineering physics and a MS in theoretical physics from Hacettepe University in Turkey. Contact him at [email protected]. Dr. Jose Maliekal, State University of New York, Brockport Jose Maliekal is the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at The College at Brockport, State University of New York. He is an atmospheric scientist and have been teaching meteorology and climatology courses. His research interests include climate change and computational pedagogy. Address: School of Arts and Sciences, The College at Brockport, Brockport, NY 14420 Phone: 585-395- 5598 Email: [email protected] Dr. Peter Veronesi, State University of New York, Brockport Peter Veronesi is Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for the Adolescence Science Education Programs at The College at Brockport. Dr. Leigh J. Little, State University of New York, Brockport Leigh Little received his doctorate in Mathematics from Arizona State University. -
International Journal of Comparative Psychology
eScholarship International Journal of Comparative Psychology Title Pavlov + Skinner = Premack Permalink https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1v20v1dg Journal International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 27(4) ISSN 0889-3675 Author Killeen, Peter R Publication Date 2014 License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 4.0 Peer reviewed eScholarship.org Powered by the California Digital Library University of California 2014, 27(4), 544-568 Stanley J. Weiss, Editor Special Issue Peer-reviewed Pavlov + Skinner = Premack Peter R. Killeen Arizona State University Behavior is a sequence of actions. Premackian conditioning occurs when one of those actions permits an animal to engage in more biologically potent positive responses—reinforcement—or forces them to engage in less positive (or negative) responses — punishment. Signals of the transition from one class of actions to another focus the instrumental responses in the first class and inform the contingent responses in the second class. The signals may be innate (USs) or learned (sign-learning); excitatory (leading to more positive actions) or inhibitory (leading to less positive actions). The potency of an action has phylogenetic origins, but may be conditioned by proximity to more potent responses, such as consummation of a reinforcer. With practice instrumental responses may take on increased strength, and in some cases become motivationally autonomous—become habits. Stimuli or responses that signal the availability of more positive actions may become incentive motivators that animals will approach. Discriminative stimuli do not have intrinsic value as reinforcers, but only the value derived from the responses that they release. These forces bend an animal’s trajectory through its stimulus-action-time context into a path that leads more directly to positive actions. -
Behavior Analysis and Learning, Third Edition
Third Edition BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS AND LEARNING W. David Pierce • Carl D. Cheney Behavior Analysis and Learning Behavior Analysis and Learning Third Edition W. David Pierce University of Alberta Carl D. Cheney Utah State University LAWRENCE ERLBAUM ASSOCIATES, PUBLISHERS 2004 Mahwah, New Jersey London Editor: Bill Webber Editorial Assistant: Kristin Duch Cover Design: Kathryn Houghtaling Lacey Textbook Production Manager: Paul Smolenski Full-Service Compositor: TechBooks Text and Cover Printer: Hamilton Printing Company This book was typeset in 10.25/12pt. Goudy. The heads were typeset in Optima and Goudy. Copyright C 2004 by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, microfilm, retrieval system, or any other means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Publishers 10 Industrial Avenue Mahwah, New Jersey 07430 www.erlbaum.com Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Pierce, W. David. Behavior analysis and learning / W. David Pierce & Carl D. Cheney.—3rd ed. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0-8058-4489-9 (alk. paper) 1. Behaviorism (Psychology) 2. Learning, Psychology of. I. Cheney, Carl D. II. Title. BF199.P54 2004 150.19434—dc21 2003001719 Books published by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates are printed on acid-free paper, and their bindings are chosen for strength and durability. Printed in the United States of America 10987654321 To B. F. Skinner When an organism acts upon the environment in which it lives, it changes that environment in ways that often affect the organism itself. Some of these changes are what the layman calls rewards, or what are generally referred to technically as reinforcers: when they follow behavior in this way they increase the likelihood that the organism will behave in the same way again (Ferster & Skinner, 1957, p. -
Predicting Recovery After a Stroke
Neuroplasticity and Motor Learning James Lynskey, PT, PhD Associate Professor Department of Physical Therapy A.T. Still University October 13, 2018 Neuroplasticity • Definition: – Ability of neurons to change function, chemical profile or structure – A natural innate process within the nervous system underlying learning and adaptation – An essential function of the nervous system to recover from damage – Occurs throughout the lifespan – Not inherently “good” – Can be adaptive or maladaptive Neuroplasticity • Is the change that happens in the brain that results in changes in function (memory, movement, reaction time, skill improvement, skill reduction….) • The idea of neuroplasticity was first proposed by William James in 1890 – “Organic matter, especially nervous tissue, seems endowed with a very extraordinary degree of plasticity...” The Principles of Psychology Neuroplasticity • Another important theory on neuroplasticity was proposed by Donald Hebb in 1949 – “When an axon of cell A is near enough to excite cell B and repeatedly or persistently takes part in firing it, some growth process or metabolic change takes place in one or both cells such that A's efficiency, as one of the cells firing B, is increased.” The Organization of Behavior (1949) • Cells that fire together, wire together Synaptic Plasticity • Plasticity at the synapse take the form of: – Alterations in amount of neurotransmitters – Alterations in number, density and type of receptors – Alterations in membrane excitability • Taken together these plastic changes will increase or decrease the efficacy of current synapses – Think long term potentiation/depression – Sensitization and Habituation Structural Plasticity • Structural Plasticity can take the form of: – Axonal sprouting, regeneration, or atrophy – Dendritic sprouting or atrophy – Dendritic spine alterations – Alterations in number of neurons Wang et. -
Learning and Memory
Chapter 19 Learning and Memory et me begin by telling a little story. because we practice–repeat something over When I was a graduate student we had and over. A further definition says, Lto take an exam that Cornell does in “[Learning is] either a case of differential an interesting way. They put you in a swivel- strengthening of one from a number of chair surrounded by your committee responses evoked by a situation of need, or composed of 4-5 faculty members. You are the formation of receptor-effector spun around, and a question comes from the connections de novo; the first occurs direction you face when you stop. One of the typically in simple selective learning and the questions I was asked was, “What will be second in conditioned reflex learning" (Hull, the most important accomplishment in the 1943). It is the strengthening of existing field of neuroscience in the next 10 years?” responses and the formation of new Knowing that knowledge usually advances responses to existing stimuli that make this in small steps, I said that we would definition unique. So what is learning? It gradually know more about most aspects of isn’t clear that we have an inclusive the field, but I didn’t expect any major definition. It appears that learning is the breakthroughs. To a man, the committee strengthening of existing responses or agreed that in 10 years we would have a formation of new responses to existing complete solution to the problem of learning stimuli that occurs because of practice or and memory. -
From Neo-Behaviorism to Social Constructivism?: the Paradigmatic Non-Evolution of Albert Bandura
FROM NEO-BEHAVIORISM TO SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIVISM?: THE PARADIGMATIC NON-EVOLUTION OF ALBERT BANDURA By Scott D. Simon Adviser: Frank Pajares A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Emory College of Emory University in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honors Division of Educational Studies 1999 Revised August 2001 Table of Contents LIST OF FIGURES. iv ABSTRACT. .v INTRODUCTION. 1 Statement of the Problem. 2 Bandura in Textbooks . 5 Bandura in Books of Theory . 6 Bandura on the World Wide Web . 7 Current Developments . .. ..9 Purpose of the Study . .. 10 Significance of the Study. 10 CONSTRUCTIVISM'S PHILOSOPHICAL ROOTS: A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS. 11 The Foundations of Constructivism. 11 Modern Constructivism . .14 PRINCIPLES OF CONSTRUCTIVIST THOUGHT . .19 The Active Construction of Meaning . 19 Social Influences on Construction. 20 Importance of Self-Regulatory Practices. 22 The Role of Mental Operations . .23 Constructivism, Truth, and Experience . .23 Summary . 25 OVERVIEW OF SOCIAL COGNITIVE THEORY. .26 SOCIAL COGNITIVE THEORY AS SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIVISM . 32 The Active Construction of Meaning. .32 Construction is a Process of Equilibration. 33 People Choose their Environments. 35 People are Active Agents, Not Passive Recipients . 36 Active Construction Occurs in Diverse Settings. 38 ii Socially Situated Symbol Use . .39 Symbols are Constructed Internally. 39 Symbol Creation Requires an Interaction with Society. 40 The Use of Symbols is Essential to Development. 42 Observational Learning is Dependent on the Use of Symbols. .43 Self-Regulation . 44 Self-regulation Occurs in Diverse Settings . 45 Personal Agency Characterizes Meaning Construction . 46 Formalized Operations . .. 48 People Anticipate Events; They do not Simply React to Stimuli .