Law of Effect
Thorndike's general theory of learning: Any behavior that leads to a "satisfying state of affairs" will likely occur again, and any behavior that leads to an "annoying state of affairs".
Reinforcer
A stimulus that follows a response and increases the likelihood that the response will be repeated.
Shaping
A process of operant conditioning; it involves reinforcing behaviors that are increasingly similar to desired behavior.
Positive Reinforcement
The increase in the probability of a behavior's being repeated following the administration of a stimulus.
Negative Reinforcement
The increase in the probability of a behavior's being repeated through the removal of a stimulus.

Positive Punishment
Punishment that occurs with the administration of a stimulus and thus decreases the probability of a behavior recurring.
Negative Punishment
Punishment that occurs with the removal of a stimulus and thus decreases the probability of a behavior's recurring.
Continuous Reinfrocement
A type of learning in which the desired behavior is reinforced each time it occurs.
Partial Reinforcement
A type of learning in which behavior is reinforced intermittently.

Ratio Schedule
A schedule in which reinforcement is based on the number of times the behavior occurs.
Interval schedule
A schedule in which reinforcement is available after a specific unit of time.
Fixed Schedule
A schedule in which reinforcement is consistently provided upon each occurrence.
Variable Schedule
A schedule in which reinforcement is applied at different rates or at different times.

Partial-reinforcement extinction effect
The greater persistence of behavior under partial reinforcement than under continuous reinforcement.
Behavior modification
The use of operant-conditioning techniques to eliminate unwanted behaviors and replace them with desirable ones.
Cognitive Map
A visual/spatial mental representation of an environment. [Rats & Goal Box Within Maze]
Latent Learning
Learning that takes place in the absence of reinforcement.

(Insight learning)

Meme
A unit of knowledge transferred within culture. [Monkey washing off sweet potatoes.]
Observational Learning
Learning that occurs when behaviors are acquired or modified following exposure to others performing the behavior. [The Bobo Dolls].
Modeling
The imitation of behavior through observational learning.
Vicarious Learning
Learning that occurs when people learn the consequences of an action by observing others being rewarded or punished for performing the action.
Mirror Neurons
Neurons that are activated during observation of others performing an action.
Intercrannial Self-Stimulation
Self administered shocks to pleasure centers located within brain.
Nucleus Accumbens
Subcortcial brain region part of the limbic system and the experience of pleasure usually results from activation of dopamine neurons in this area.
Engram
Storage of learned material.
Habituation
A decrease in behavioral response following repeated exposure to nonthreatening stimuli.
Sesatization
An increase in behavioral response following exposure to a threatening stimulus.
Long-Term Potentiation
The strengthening of a synaptic connection so that postsynaptic neurons are more easily activated.