Biopsychology & Learning: Non-Associative Learning

Questions and Answers

What is the central goal of the compensatory-response model in classical conditioning?

To eliminate unconditioned responses

To enhance stimulus generalization

To create a conditioned stimulus

To maintain a state of homeostasis (correct)

What does stimulus generalization refer to?

The tendency to respond to stimuli that are similar but not identical to a conditioned stimulus.

Stimulus discrimination is the ability to respond the same way to similar stimuli.

False

List the key elements of classical conditioning.

Neutral stimulus (NS), Unconditioned stimulus (US), Unconditioned response (UR), Conditioned stimulus (CS), Conditioned response (CR). Signup and view all the answers

Which account explains the effect of the unconditioned stimulus on the conditioned stimulus in classical conditioning?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What did Pavlov observe about salivation in conditioned dogs?

Dogs salivated not only to the conditioned stimulus but also to similar stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Unconditioned Response (UR) = An automatic response to an unconditioned stimulus Conditioned Stimulus (CS) = A previously neutral stimulus that, after conditioning, elicits a conditioned response Neutral Stimulus (NS) = A stimulus that does not initially elicit a response Conditioned Response (CR) = The learned response to a conditioned stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a low intensity stimulus is presented?

Habituation Signup and view all the answers

What process is characterized by a response increase to repeated presentations of a stimulus?

Sensitization Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are key elements of classical conditioning?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Habituation and sensitization can co-occur.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect called when measurable outward behavior is a result of combined habituation and sensitization effects?

Observable behavior Signup and view all the answers

In Pavlov's experiment, what did the Conditioned Stimulus (CS) replace?

Unconditioned Stimulus (US) Signup and view all the answers

What type of Unconditioned Stimuli (US) automatically elicits approach responses?

Appetitive US Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a sign tracker and a goal tracker?

Sign tracker directs behavior at the cue, whereas goal tracker directs behavior at the reward. Signup and view all the answers

What does the alternative account of Preparatory Response Theory suggest about the Conditioned Response (CR)?

It prepares the organism for the Unconditioned Stimulus (US) Signup and view all the answers

What is Non-Associative Learning?

Learning without consequences Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of Non-Associative Learning?

Habituation and Sensitisation Signup and view all the answers

Habituation is typically stimulus-specific.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is habituation?

A decrease in response amplitude or frequency as a consequence of repeated experience with a stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

Sensitisation is typically NOT _________-specific.

stimulus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes associative learning?

Learning where a new response is associated with a particular stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of habituation?

To ignore stimuli of little importance and focus on important ones. Signup and view all the answers

What typically causes sensitisation?

Anticipation of an important stimulus Signup and view all the answers

Desensitisation is a decrease in response amplitude or frequency back down to ________.

baseline Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between habituation and sensory adaptation?

Habituation can recapture the initial stimulus, sensory adaptation cannot Signup and view all the answers

What role does sensory-specific satiety play in food consumption?

It affects how we perceive and consume different foods. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Overview

Learning is defined as the acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, evidenced by changes in behavior, physiology, or neural reactions.
Important for adaptation to environments by recognizing significant stimuli and learning to ignore non-consequential ones.

Non-Associative Learning

Involves changes in response to a single stimulus without linking it to other stimuli.
Main types: Habituation and Sensitization.

Habituation

A progressive decrease in response amplitude or frequency due to repeated exposure to a stimulus.
Usually stimulus-specific and can last from hours to weeks.
Example: Cats becoming indifferent to a novel sound after hearing it repeatedly while eating.
Distinct from sensory adaptation; habituation is reversible, while sensory adaptation cannot recapture the initial stimulus sensation.
Dishabituation refers to the recovery of responsiveness to a habituated stimulus when a novel stimulus is introduced.

Sensitization

Refers to an increase in response amplitude or frequency following repeated exposure to a stimulus.
Non-specific; often occurs in anticipation of significant stimuli.
Example: Increased attentiveness to the clicking of a pen during an exam.
Sensitization prepares organisms for potential important cues or threats.

Desensitization

A decrease in response amplitude as a result of repeated stimulus exposure that can lead to a return to baseline behavior.

Habituation vs. Sensitization

Habituation is a natural response to repetitive stimuli, leading to reduced responses, while sensitization results in increased responses.
The intensity of the stimulus influences whether habituation or sensitization occurs, with low intensities often leading to habituation and high intensities to sensitization.

Dual-Process Theory

Suggests that habituation and sensitization operate concurrently; initial response increases (sensitization) may oppose later decreases in responses (habituation).

Infant Studies

Research indicates that infants demonstrate both habituation and sensitization through visual fixation studies, where attention decreases on familiar stimuli and initially increases on complex stimuli before decreasing as they become familiar.

Practical Applications

Understanding habituation helps explain behaviors like adaptation to familiar scents or environments while emphasizing the significance of novel stimuli in maintaining attention.

Conclusion

Non-associative learning mechanisms, namely habituation and sensitization, play crucial roles in how organisms interact with and adapt to their environments by modulating attention based on experience.### Dual-Process Theory of Habituation & Sensitisation
Sensitisation can occur after unexpected stimuli, even from different sensory modalities.
Habituation and sensitisation are dual processes that can coexist, influencing observable behavior.
The relative strength of habituation versus sensitisation determines the overall response to a stimulus.

Processes of Habituation and Sensitisation

Habituation refers to a decrease in response due to repeated exposure, becoming stronger with more repetitions.
Response decrement (habituation) is specific to the stimulus presented.
Sensitisation describes an increase in responsiveness, particularly noticeable in early trials, which diminishes over time.
The combined effects of habituation and sensitisation dictate behavioral outcomes.

Key Concepts of Non-associative Learning

Habituation: Decreased response to repeated stimuli; weaker stimuli lead to faster habituation and the response is specific.
Sensitisation: Increased response to stimuli; stronger stimuli enhance sensitisation, with generalized response to various stimuli.

Classical Conditioning Overview

Classical conditioning involves the pairing of a Neutral Stimulus (NS) with an Unconditioned Stimulus (US).
After conditioning, the NS transforms into a Conditioned Stimulus (CS), eliciting a Conditioned Response (CR) akin to the Unconditioned Response (UR).

Key Terms in Classical Conditioning

Neutral Stimulus (NS): Initially does not trigger a response.
Unconditioned Stimulus (US): Naturally elicits a reflexive response (UR).
Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Previously NS that now elicits CR due to association with US.
Conditioned Response (CR): Response triggered by the CS, resembling the UR.

Examples and Mechanisms

Real-life example: The jingle of keys becomes a CS evoking separation anxiety in dogs.
Classical conditioning follows a curve where learning is initially rapid and then plateaus.

Types of Unconditioned Stimuli (US)

Appetitive US: Elicit positive responses (e.g., food).
Aversive US: Elicit negative responses (e.g., pain).
Aversive conditioning often requires fewer trials due to inherent harmfulness.

Theories in Classical Conditioning

Stimulus Substitution Hypothesis: CS substitutes for US, triggering the same response.
Evidence from experiments shows that the CR often corresponds to the nature of the US.

Sign-Tracking and Individual Differences

Animals may exhibit sign-tracking, focusing on the CS, versus goal-tracking, where the US is prioritized.
This behavior demonstrates differing motivations and potential links to addiction.

Generalization and Discrimination

Stimulus Generalisation: Responding similarly to stimuli that are similar to the CS.
Stimulus Discrimination: Learning to distinguish between similar stimuli, allowing for appropriate responses.

Applications and Implications

Understanding classical conditioning helps explain behaviors in various contexts, including anxiety and addiction, by interpreting cue responses as predictors of significant outcomes.### Introduction to Classical Conditioning
Classical conditioning is a form of associative learning that establishes a connection between two stimuli.
Key elements include:
- Neutral Stimulus (NS)
- Unconditioned Stimulus (US)
- Unconditioned Response (UR)
- Conditioned Stimulus (CS)
- Conditioned Response (CR)
Unconditioned stimuli can provoke either appetitive (positive) or aversive (negative) responses.
Various theories attempt to explain classical conditioning:
- Stimulus Substitution Hypothesis
- Preparatory Response Theory
- Compensatory Response Model
Generalization refers to the transfer of training to similar stimuli, while discrimination involves distinguishing between different stimuli.

Upcoming Topics

Next lecture will focus on "The Neuron."
Reading assignment: Kalat’s chapter titled "Nerve Cells and Nerve Impulses."
In-person tutorials starting next week; classroom location: 12SW Room 317.
Online tutorials available through the PSYUX2236-2024-S2 Team on Teams for discussions and query resolutions.

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Explore the concepts of Non-Associative Learning as part of the Biopsychology & Learning course. This quiz covers key topics such as Habituation and Sensitisation, providing insights into the foundational aspects of learning processes. Ideal for students in PSYU2236/PSYX2236.