3.1 Content Knowledge Challenge

Chapter Three provides our first in depth encounter with learning. It also provides us with a glimpse of how innate behaviors can be influenced by learning which is an excellent example of the interaction of ontogeny and phylogeny. We will revisit this interaction in the future. The chapter begins with a discussion and examples of innate responses including fixed action patterns, modal action patterns and reaction chains. We then encounter the reflex, also a phylogenetic behavior in the respondent response class. The reflex, we soon see is a powerful example of phylogenetic behavior that can be modified or impacted, through processes of learning (aka ontogenetic adaptation). Specific examples of this include habituation and respondent conditioning. You read about both in chapter 3. Respondent conditioning is a powerful learning process that results in the acquisition of a respondent — not a reflex but a response in the same class as the reflex.

For your third CKC we will focus on respondent behavior and its acquisition and extinction. To complete this challenge, provide answers to the following: (1) How do you know when you are dealing with a respondent that is acquired (learned or conditioned) or reflexive (innate)? Answer this portion of the question in 70 words or less. (2). What is respondent extinction? Answer this portion of the question in 35 words or less. (3) What does spontaneous recovery tell us about an extinguished respondent? Answer this portion of the question in 20 words or less.

Your response to this challenge should be formal. It should be well written and carefully organized to address each portion of the challenge. You are free to use your text and other resources but make sure you cite and reference all sources used. You should focus on paraphrasing rather than quoting from sources. Your document should be saved as a doc, docx or pdf file. It should adhere to the APA 6th edition editorial style. If you need assistance with APA editorial style take the link Writing Styles Guide on the left (toward the bottom) which will land you on the Purdue OWL site. This challenge has strict word limits these are not minimum limits but maximum limits. Focus on being direct and concise.