MCAT P/S Classical Conditioning Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is Classical Conditioning?

Process in which two stimuli are paired (correct)

A method of extinction

A response to a neutral stimulus

None of the above

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)?

A learned response to a previously Neutral Stimulus (CS) Signup and view all the answers

What are the components of the learning curve in Classical Conditioning?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is Acquisition in Classical Conditioning?

Learning the conditioned response when the CS and US are always paired Signup and view all the answers

What does Extinction mean in Classical Conditioning?

The process by which the conditioned response stops occurring Signup and view all the answers

What is Spontaneous Recovery?

The reappearance of a conditioned response after a period of extinction Signup and view all the answers

What is Generalization in the context of Classical Conditioning?

The tendency to respond to stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What is Discrimination in Classical Conditioning?

The ability to differentiate between different stimuli 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).

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.