Chp 01 - Human Learning

Front 1

Aversive

Back 1

(n) Any stimulus the removal of which is reinforcing; (adj) characterising an event that is likely to be avoided.

Front 2

Behaviour

Back 2

Anything a person or animal does that can be measured. In practice, the term usually refers to publicly observable overt behaviour. However, behaviour that is available only to the person performing it (such as thinking) may be included if it can be reliably measured.

Front 3

General behaviour trait

Back 3

Any general behavioural tendency that is strongly influenced by genes. Examples include introversion and general anxiety. (Cf. fixed action pattern.)

Front 4

Habituation

Back 4

A decrease in the intensity or probability of a reflex response resulting from repeated exposure to a stimulus that elicits that response (compare sensitisation).

Front 5

Learning

Back 5

A change in behaviour due to experience.

Front 6

Modal action pattern (MAP)

Back 6

A series of interrelated acts found in all or nearly all members of a species. Also called fixed action pattern, species-specific behaviour or species-typical behaviour, formerly called instincts. They have a strong genetic component.

Front 7

Mutation

Back 7

Any change in a gene. When the modified gene occurs in a reproductive cell, the mutation may be passed on to offspring.

Front 8

Natural selection

Back 8

The tendency for characteristics that contribute to the survival of a species to persist and for those that do not to disappear.

Front 9

Reflex

Back 9

A relationship between a specific event and a simple, involuntary response to that event. The term usually refers to an unconditional reflex. (See unconditional reflex; cf. conditional reflex.*)

Front 10

Releaser, or releasing stimulus

Back 10

Any stimulus that reliably elicits a fixed action pattern (modal action pattern).

Front 11

Sensitisation

Back 11

An increase in the intensity or probability of a reflex response resulting from earlier exposure to a stimulus that elicits that response. (Cf. habituation.)

Front 12

Stimulus

Back 12

Any event that affects, or is capable of affecting, behaviour.