Classical Conditioning Flashcards

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.