Psychology Behaviorism: Classical Conditioning Chapter 17

Questions and Answers

What is associative learning?

The learning that certain events occur together.

What is classical conditioning?

Conditioning process in which an originally neutral stimulus comes to elicit a similar or identical response.

What is behaviorism?

The view that psychology should be an objective science studying behavior without reference to mental processes.

What is learning?

The modification of behavior based on specific experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What is a neutral stimulus?

Any stimulus that produces no conditioned response prior to learning. Signup and view all the answers

What is an unconditioned response?

Unlearned or involuntary response to an unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is an unconditioned stimulus?

A stimulus that evokes an unconditioned response without previous conditioning. Signup and view all the answers

What is a conditioned response?

Learned response elicited by the conditioned stimulus in classical conditioning. Signup and view all the answers

What is a conditioned stimulus?

An originally irrelevant stimulus that comes to trigger a conditioned response. Signup and view all the answers

What is acquisition in classical conditioning?

The initial stage when one links a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is higher-order conditioning?

A process where a neutral stimulus can become a new conditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is extinction in classical conditioning?

The diminished responding that occurs when the conditioned stimulus no longer signals the impending unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is spontaneous recovery?

The reappearance of a weakened conditioned response after a pause. Signup and view all the answers

What is generalization in the context of conditioning?

The tendency to respond to stimuli similar to the conditioned response. Signup and view all the answers

What is discrimination in conditioning?

Learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and other irrelevant stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

Why is classical conditioning necessary?

It helps animals have an edge in surviving and reproducing. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Associative Learning

Involves learning that certain events occur together.
Can include two stimuli (classical conditioning) or a response with its consequences (operant conditioning).

Classical Conditioning

A process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.
Also known as Pavlovian conditioning, based on Ivan Pavlov's experiments with dogs.

Behaviorism

Psychology should be an objective science focused on behavior, ignoring mental processes.
Emphasizes responses to stimuli over internal thoughts and feelings.

Learning

Defined as the modification of behavior based on specific experiences.

Neutral Stimulus

A stimulus that does not evoke a conditioned response before learning takes place.

Unconditioned Response

An involuntary reaction that occurs naturally in response to an unconditioned stimulus, such as a dog's salivation when presented with food.

Unconditioned Stimulus

A stimulus that naturally triggers an unconditioned response without prior conditioning, like food triggering salivation.

Conditioned Response

A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that has become conditioned to elicit this response.

Conditioned Stimulus

An originally neutral stimulus that, after being paired with an unconditioned stimulus, triggers a conditioned response.

Acquisition

The initial learning phase in classical conditioning where a neutral stimulus is linked with an unconditioned stimulus to trigger a conditioned response.

Higher-Order Conditioning

A process where a neutral stimulus can become a conditioned stimulus through association with an already conditioned stimulus.

Extinction

Occurs when the conditioned stimulus no longer signals the unconditioned stimulus, resulting in diminished responses.

Spontaneous Recovery

The unexpected reappearance of a weakened conditioned response after a period of absence, indicating that extinction does not completely eliminate the conditioned response.

Generalization

The tendency to respond similarly to stimuli that are related or similar to the conditioned stimulus, such as dogs salivating to tones similar to the conditioned tone.

Discrimination

The learned ability to differentiate between a conditioned stimulus and other irrelevant stimuli, allowing for specific responses to particular signals.

Importance of Classical Conditioning

Essential for survival and reproduction, aiding animals in adapting to their environments through learned associations.

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Test your knowledge on classical conditioning and associative learning with our flashcards. This quiz covers key terms and definitions that are essential for understanding behaviorism in psychology.