Classical Conditioning Flashcards

Study Notes

Classical Conditioning

A learning process linking an environmental stimulus with a naturally occurring stimulus.
Involves the creation of associations that influence behaviors and responses.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

Automatically triggers a natural response without prior learning.
Example: The smell of favorite food prompting hunger.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

The natural, unlearned reaction to the unconditioned stimulus.
Example: Feeling hungry when smelling food.

Conditioned Stimulus

A neutral stimulus that gains significance after association with the unconditioned stimulus.
Example: A whistle sound paired with the smell of food later evokes hunger.

Conditioned Response

The learned reaction to the conditioned stimulus as a result of its association with the unconditioned stimulus.
Example: Feeling hungry upon hearing the whistle.

Extinction

Refers to the gradual reduction of a conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus.
Results in the decrease or disappearance of conditioned behavior over time.

Stimulus Generalization

Occurs when a conditioned response is triggered not just by the conditioned stimulus but also by similar stimuli.
Example: Fear of a white rabbit extending to a white toy rat.

Learning

Defined as acquiring new and lasting information or behaviors through experience.
Represents a fundamental psychological process.

Associative Learning

Involves learning that certain events occur together.
Key component of understanding classical conditioning.

Stimulus

Any event or situation that provokes a response.
Central to the process of conditioning and understanding behavior.

Cognitive Learning

Involves acquiring mental information through observation or language, rather than direct experiences.
Complementary to behavioral learning theories.

Behaviorism

A psychological perspective emphasizing objective study of behavior independent of mental processes.
Focuses on observable actions rather than internal thoughts.

Respondent Behavior

Automatic reactions to stimuli that provoke specific responses.
Example: Salivation in response to food or a related cue.

Acquisition

The initial phase of classical conditioning where pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus begins.
Marks the transition of a neutral stimulus into a conditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

The sudden reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a period of rest.
Demonstrates the persistence of learned behaviors despite extinction.

Description

Explore the fundamentals of classical conditioning through engaging flashcards. This quiz covers key definitions and concepts, including the unconditioned stimulus and the learning process of association. Perfect for psychology students or anyone interested in understanding behavior.