Conditioned vs. Unconditioned Terms

Study Notes

Classical Conditioning

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a reflexive response through conditioning.
Initially, the neutral stimulus does not trigger any response but becomes capable of doing so after pairing with an unconditioned stimulus.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A natural stimulus that automatically triggers a response without prior conditioning.
Example: The presence of food in a dog's mouth naturally elicits salivation.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

An unlearned and automatic reaction to an unconditioned stimulus.
Example: Dog's salivation in response to food.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after being paired with an unconditioned stimulus, begins to elicit a learned reflexive response.
Example: The sound of a bell becomes a conditioned stimulus when associated with food.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to a conditioned stimulus after conditioning has occurred.
Example: A dog salivating in response to the sound of the bell, even when food is not present.

Natural Stimulus

A stimulus that does not require any learning to elicit a response.
Functions as an unconditioned stimulus in classical conditioning.

Neutral Response

An initial response that does not trigger a specific reaction.
This can evolve into a conditioned stimulus through the learning process.

Stimulus Generalization

A phenomenon where responses are elicited by stimuli similar to the original conditioned stimulus, even without direct pairings with the unconditioned stimulus.
Demonstrates the tendency to react similarly to similar stimuli.

Stimulus Discrimination

The process of distinguishing between similar stimuli where a conditioned response occurs only in response to a specific stimulus.
Important for learning to differentiate conditions or cues.

Description

Explore the concepts of classical conditioning, unconditioned stimuli, and unconditioned responses with these flashcards. This quiz helps you understand how existing behaviors can be triggered by natural stimuli. Test your knowledge on the fundamental terms in behavioral psychology.