Questions and Answers
What is Classical Conditioning?
What is a Neutral Stimulus (NS)?
A stimulus that initially doesn't cause any reaction or intrinsic response
What is an Unconditioned Stimulus (US)?
A stimulus that elicits an Unconditioned Response (UR)
What is a Conditioned Response (CR)?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the components of the learning curve in Classical Conditioning?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Acquisition in Classical Conditioning?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Extinction mean in Classical Conditioning?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Spontaneous Recovery?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Generalization in the context of Classical Conditioning?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Discrimination in Classical Conditioning?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
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).
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of classical conditioning concepts with these flashcards tailored for the MCAT. Each card features key terminology and definitions, such as neutral stimulus and unconditioned stimulus, to help reinforce your understanding of this essential psychological principle.