Psych 101 Chapter 7: Classical Conditioning

Questions and Answers

What is classical conditioning?

A type of associative learning discovered by Ivan Pavlov (correct)

A type of operant conditioning

A neurological process

A method of memory retention

What is an unconditioned stimulus (UCS)?

A stimulus that naturally triggers an unconditioned response.

Define neutral stimulus in classical conditioning.

A stimulus that has no natural relationship to an innate response but eventually elicits a response.

What is the unconditioned response (UCR)?

The innate response triggered without conditioning by an unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What does conditioned stimulus (CS) refer to?

An originally neutral stimulus that elicits an unconditioned response after conditioning. Signup and view all the answers

What is a conditioned response (CR)?

The response elicited by a conditioned stimulus after conditioning. Signup and view all the answers

What is acquisition in classical conditioning?

The process of acquiring a conditioned response. Signup and view all the answers

Explain second-order conditioning.

A process where a neutral stimulus is conditioned to elicit a response, using another previously conditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is extinction in classical conditioning?

When a learned behavior ceases to be performed. Signup and view all the answers

What is spontaneous recovery?

The reemergence of an extinguished behavior after a rest period. Signup and view all the answers

Define renewal in the context of classical conditioning.

The reemergence of an extinguished behavior when the conditioned stimulus is presented in a different context. Signup and view all the answers

Describe generalization in classical conditioning.

When a conditioned response occurs to stimuli that are similar but not identical to the conditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What does discrimination mean in classical conditioning?

When one neutral stimulus produces a conditioned response while another similar neutral stimulus does not. Signup and view all the answers

What is the functionalist perspective on learning?

The belief that learning mechanisms like classical conditioning evolved to fulfill functions that prepare organisms for survival. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Conditioning

Founded by Ivan Pavlov, classical conditioning is a form of associative learning.
Involves pairing a neutral stimulus (Conditioned Stimulus, CS) with an unconditioned stimulus (Unconditioned Stimulus, UCS) to elicit an unconditioned response (UCR).
The UCS naturally triggers the UCR without prior conditioning, while the CS eventually elicits the same response after association.

Key Components

Neutral Stimulus: Initially does not provoke a response; can become a CS through conditioning (e.g., tone paired with a puff of air causing eye-blink).
Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS): Stimulus that evokes a natural response (e.g., food causing salivation).
Unconditioned Response (UCR): Natural reflexive response to the UCS (e.g., salivation in response to food).

Conditioning Process

Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Previously neutral stimulus that, after conditioning, elicits the UCR.
Conditioned Response (CR): Response elicited by the CS after conditioning, which is originally the UCR.
Acquisition: The process of developing a CR through repeated pairings of CS and UCS.

Advanced Concepts

Second-order Conditioning: Conditioning a second neutral stimulus to elicit a response by using a previously conditioned stimulus (e.g., a bell after a tone).

Extinction and Recovery

Extinction: Gradual reduction of a conditioned response when the CS is presented without the UCS.
Spontaneous Recovery: Reemergence of an extinguished CR after a rest period; weaker than before.
Renewal: Recovery of an extinguished CR when the subject is placed in a new context where the CS is presented again.

Additional Phenomena

Generalization: When a CR occurs in response to stimuli that are similar to the CS.
Discrimination: Ability to differentiate between similar stimuli; CR occurs to one but not the other.

Functionalist Perspective

Learning mechanisms, including classical conditioning, are believed to have evolved due to their adaptive functions.
The functionalist view emphasizes increased survival and reproductive success for organisms utilizing these learning mechanisms.

Description

Explore the fundamentals of classical conditioning as discovered by Ivan Pavlov. This flashcard quiz delves into the definitions, processes, and limitations of this key psychological learning theory. Test your knowledge and understanding of how stimuli influence behavior.