A 403 A Avoidance Learning

Definition Learning to avoid aversive outcomes is crucial for survival, and it is ubiquitous in everyday life. This entry focuses on ▶ active avoidance, in which performing a certain behavior prevents an aversive outcome that would otherwise occur. ▶Avoidance learning in that context consists of learning to perform the appropriate behaviors in the appropriate circumstances to prevent aversive outcomes. Active avoidance should be distinguished from ▶ passive avoidance, often called punishment, in which performing a behavior results in an aversive outcome, and learning therefore consists of suppressing, rather than strengthening, the behavior. Punishment is discussed in the “Punishment and Reward” entry.Henceforward, whenever the term “avoidance” is used, it is intended to mean active avoidance.