Dog Training Canine Learning Theory Questions and Answers Flashcards

What is the term for a dog learning to ignore a repeated stimulus that has no significant consequence?

Answer: Habituation

Habituation occurs when an animal learns to stop responding to a stimulus that is neither rewarding nor harmful after repeated exposure.

In operant conditioning, what happens during an extinction burst?

Answer: The behavior temporarily increases in frequency or intensity before declining

During an extinction burst, the animal temporarily performs the behavior more frequently or intensely before it eventually decreases when reinforcement is withheld.

Which schedule of reinforcement produces the highest and most consistent response rate?

Answer: Variable ratio

Variable ratio schedules produce high, steady response rates because the animal cannot predict which response will be reinforced.

What does the Premack Principle state about reinforcement?

Answer: A more probable behavior can reinforce a less probable behavior

The Premack Principle states that access to a higher-probability behavior can serve as reinforcement for performing a lower-probability behavior.

What is the key difference between classical and operant conditioning?

Answer: Classical conditioning pairs involuntary responses with stimuli, while operant conditioning modifies voluntary behaviors through consequences

Classical conditioning involves associating an involuntary reflexive response with a new stimulus, while operant conditioning shapes voluntary behaviors through reinforcement or punishment.

What is stimulus generalization in canine learning?

Answer: A dog responds to stimuli similar to the original conditioned stimulus

Stimulus generalization occurs when a dog responds to stimuli that are similar but not identical to the original conditioned stimulus.