ABA Classical Conditioning Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is backward conditioning?

Both stimuli are presented together.

Conditioning is always effective.

The US occurs before the CS. (correct)

The US occurs after the CS.

What happens during blocking/overshadowing?

When two neutral stimuli are presented together before the US, one becomes the CS and the other fails to.

What is classical conditioning?

The most primitive form of learning, where a stimulus is followed by a biologically significant event.

What is a conditioned emotional response?

Learned emotional reactions like anxiety or happiness in response to predictive cues. Signup and view all the answers

What is a conditioned stimulus (CS)?

The signal that occurs before a biologically significant event, cueing the conditioned response. Signup and view all the answers

What is a conditioned response (CR)?

A learned reaction to a signal. Signup and view all the answers

What does extinction in classical conditioning refer to?

The process where a CS is presented without the US, leading the organism to learn that the signal no longer has meaning. Signup and view all the answers

What is forward conditioning?

When the CS is presented before the US and remains until the US is presented. Signup and view all the answers

What is generalization in classical conditioning?

When an organism makes the same response to similar stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What is a neutral stimulus (NS)?

A stimulus that initially produces no specific response other than focusing attention. Signup and view all the answers

What is trace conditioning?

A method where a discrete event is presented and then the US occurs, with no overlapping. Signup and view all the answers

What does salience mean?

The state of being prominent, noticeable or important. Signup and view all the answers

What is an unconditioned stimulus (UCS)?

The stimulus component of an unconditioned reflex that elicits behavior without prior learning. Signup and view all the answers

What is an unconditioned response (UR)?

A reaction to a biologically natural stimulus, a reflex or response that is innate. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Backward Conditioning

Involves presenting the unconditioned stimulus (US) before the conditioned stimulus (CS).
Example: food is provided, followed by the ringing of a bell.
Generally ineffective; conditioning typically does not occur in this scenario.

Blocking/Overshadowing

Two neutral stimuli are introduced together before presenting the unconditioned stimulus.
When presented separately after conditioning, only one stimulus becomes the conditioned stimulus.
The other fails to acquire conditioned stimulus properties due to interference.

Classical Conditioning

Defined as the most fundamental form of learning.
Involves pairing a distinguishable stimulus with a biologically important event.
Establishes a predictive signal that precedes a reflexive response.

Conditioned Emotional Response

Refers to learned emotional reactions, such as anxiety or happiness.
These responses occur due to predictive cues associated with certain stimuli.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

The signal that precedes a biologically significant event.
Functions to "cue" the conditioned response, signifying an impending occurrence.

Conditioned Response (CR)

A learned reaction triggered by the conditioned stimulus.
Represents the behavioral response to the cue provided by the CS.

Extinction (Classical)

The process whereby a conditioned stimulus is presented multiple times without the unconditioned stimulus.
Leads to the organism understanding that the signal no longer conveys the same meaning it previously had.

Forward Conditioning

Occurs when the conditioned stimulus is presented before the unconditioned stimulus and remains until the US is shown.
Generally considered the most effective method of conditioning, especially with a short delay.
Example: a ringing bell that continues until food is provided.

Generalization (Classical)

Happens when an organism responds similarly to stimuli that are alike.
The more the tested stimuli resemble those encountered during conditioning, the stronger the generalized response.

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

A stimulus that initially elicits no specific response other than capturing attention.
When paired with an unconditioned stimulus, it transforms into a conditioned stimulus.

Trace Conditioning

A method where the neutral stimulus is presented, followed by the unconditioned stimulus without overlap.
The shorter the time between the two events, the stronger the potential conditioned response, though responses are generally weak.

Salience

Defined as the quality of being noticeable or prominent.
Important for understanding how certain stimuli capture attention in conditioning processes.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

The stimulus in an unconditioned reflex that triggers a response without prior learning.
Essential in establishing reflexive behaviors in organisms.

Unconditioned Response (UR)

The natural reaction to an unconditioned stimulus.
Represents a reflex or response that is innate and does not require learning.

Description

Test your understanding of classical conditioning concepts with these flashcards. This quiz covers important terms like backward conditioning and blocking/overshadowing, helping you grasp foundational principles in behavior analysis.