MCAT P/S Classical Conditioning Flashcards

Classical Conditioning Overview

• Classical conditioning is a learning process where two stimuli are paired, altering the response to one of them.
• Pavlov's Dogs is a foundational study demonstrating this concept.

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

• A Neutral Stimulus does not evoke a response initially.
• Example: The sound of a bell before training in Pavlov’s experiment.

Unconditioned Stimulus (US) and Unconditioned Response (UR)

• An Unconditioned Stimulus (US) triggers an Unconditioned Response (UR) automatically, without prior learning.
• Example: Food (US) naturally causes salivation (UR).

Conditioned Stimulus (CS) and Conditioned Response (CR)

• A Conditioned Stimulus (CS) starts as a Neutral Stimulus but, after pairing with a US, can evoke a response.
• Example: After training, the bell becomes a CS eliciting salivation (CR).

Learning Curve Components

• Key phases in classical conditioning:
  • Acquisition: Learning the conditioned response.
  • Extinction: When the conditioned response fades due to lack of pairing.
  • Spontaneous Recovery: Reappearance of the conditioned response after a break.
  • Generalization: Responding to stimuli similar to the CS.
  • Discrimination: Responding only to the specific CS.

Acquisition

• Involves learning to associate the CS with the US, where both are presented together consistently.

Extinction

• Occurs when the CS is repeatedly presented without the US, leading to a cessation of the CR.

Spontaneous Recovery

• Represents the return of a previously extinguished CR after a period of rest and presentation of the CS.

Generalization

• The tendency to respond to stimuli similar to the CS, exemplified by dogs salivating to various similar sounds (e.g., doorbells).

Discrimination

• The ability to distinguish between the CS and other stimuli, resulting in a response only to the specific CS (e.g., the dog salivating only to the bell sound, not other similar sounds).