Key Concepts of Classical Conditioning Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a neutral stimulus (NS)?

A stimulus that does not produce a response.

What is an unconditioned stimulus (US)?

A stimulus that elicits a response innately or without conditioning.

What is an unconditioned response (UR)?

Automatic response elicited by the unconditioned stimulus.

What is a conditioned stimulus (CS)?

A neutral stimulus that when paired with an unconditioned stimulus elicits a similar response. Signup and view all the answers

What is a conditioned response (CR)?

A response that is learned by pairing the originally neutral stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What does acquisition refer to in classical conditioning?

The consistent pairing of the NS and the US whereby the NS becomes the CS and elicits the CR. Signup and view all the answers

What is extinction in classical conditioning?

The extinction phase is when the CR no longer occurs after introduction of the CS. Signup and view all the answers

What does generalization mean in classical conditioning?

Occurs when there is a small difference in the presented stimulus and the original CS. Signup and view all the answers

What is discrimination in classical conditioning?

Discrimination occurs when a CR does not occur when there is a difference between the presented stimulus and the original CS. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts of Classical Conditioning

Neutral Stimulus (NS): A stimulus that initially does not provoke any response, serving as a basis for conditioning.
Unconditioned Stimulus (US): This stimulus naturally triggers a response without the need for prior learning or conditioning.
Unconditioned Response (UR): The automatic, innate response that follows the unconditioned stimulus; occurs without any conditioning.
Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Originally a neutral stimulus that, through association with an unconditioned stimulus, begins to elicit a response similar to that elicited by the unconditioned stimulus.
Conditioned Response (CR): A learned response that emerges when the conditioned stimulus is presented after being paired with the unconditioned stimulus.
Acquisition: Refers to the process during which the neutral stimulus is consistently paired with the unconditioned stimulus, transforming the NS into a conditioned stimulus that elicits a conditioned response.
Extinction: The process whereby the conditioned response decreases and eventually disappears when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus over time.
Generalization: This phenomenon occurs when a response is elicited by stimuli that are similar, though not identical, to the original conditioned stimulus.
Discrimination: The ability to differentiate between the original conditioned stimulus and other stimuli, leading to the conditioned response being elicited only by the specific conditioned stimulus.

Description

Explore the foundational terms of classical conditioning with these flashcards. Each card presents a key concept essential for understanding the mechanics of behavior psychology. Perfect for students or anyone looking to grasp the basics of conditioning theory.