Psychology Classical Conditioning Basics

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Questions and Answers

Define the basic classical conditioning paradigm. What are the US, UR, CS, and CR?

(us + cs) = ur; cs = cr

What is the Stimulus Substitution Theory?

In Pavlovian conditioning, the theory that the CS substitutes for the US. Assumes that the CR is essentially the same as the UR.

Which association is correct S-R association or S-S association?

S-S association

What is an S-R association?

The learning of an association between a stimulus and a response. Signup and view all the answers

What is an S-S association?

Thorndike; associative approach; S-R association is key to instrumental learning. Signup and view all the answers

What is an asymptote in conditioning?

The maximum amount of conditioning that can take place in a particular situation. Signup and view all the answers

What is Acquisition in classical conditioning?

The initial stage associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus, so that the neutral stimulus elicits a conditioned response. Signup and view all the answers

What is the necessary arrangement for extinction to occur?

Acquisition followed by extinction. Signup and view all the answers

What factors are known to affect the asymptote?

Size and intensity of the US. Signup and view all the answers

What is Extinction in classical conditioning?

A conditioning process in which the reinforcer is removed and a conditioned response becomes independent of the conditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is Spontaneous Recovery?

The reappearance, after a pause, of an extinguished conditioned response. Signup and view all the answers

What is Inhibition Theory?

Forgetting is due to the activities that take place between original learning and later attempted recall. Signup and view all the answers

What is Ambiguity Theory?

An encoding theory which explains mistakes in reasoning in terms of incomplete representation of information open to multiple interpretations. Signup and view all the answers

What is Conditioned Inhibition?

A type of Pavlovian conditioning in which the conditioned stimulus becomes a signal for the absence of the unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is generalization in conditioning?

The tendency for stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus to elicit similar responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the 4 parameters is likely to be the most exciting to a Learning Psychologist?

CR, because it is what you are trying to create within the experiment. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the four different Conditioned Responses.

<ol> <li>Eyeblink conditioning 2. Conditioned suppression 3. Skin conductance response 4. Taste aversion learning.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is eyeblink conditioning?

A type of conditioning that involves a mild electric shock as a US, which reliably elicits an eyeblink as a UR. Signup and view all the answers

What is the CS, US, UR, and CR in eyeblink conditioning study?

CS: Tone/Light/Vibration; US: Puff of air to eye; UR: Eyeblink to puff of air; CR: Eyeblink to tone/light/vibration. Signup and view all the answers

What is conditioned suppression?

Reduced instrumental response rate in the presence of a Pavlovian CS. Signup and view all the answers

What is skin conductance response?

A change in the electrical conductivity of the skin often caused by emotions such as fear or surprise. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Conditioning Overview

The basic classical conditioning paradigm involves pairing an unconditioned stimulus (US) with a conditioned stimulus (CS), leading to an unconditioned response (UR) becoming a conditioned response (CR).
The formula (US + CS) = UR indicates how a CS can elicit a CR after conditioning.

Stimulus Substitution Theory

In Pavlovian conditioning, the conditioned stimulus (CS) acts as a substitute for the unconditioned stimulus (US).
The conditioned response (CR) is regarded as essentially identical to the unconditioned response (UR).

Association Types

The S-S (stimulus-stimulus) association is deemed correct, emphasizing the connection between stimuli rather than stimulus-response (S-R).

S-R Association

S-R association refers to learning that links a specific stimulus to a particular response, causing the stimulus to elicit that response.

S-S Association

Thorndike's associative approach stresses S-R association as pivotal for instrumental learning and his Law of Effect, where outcomes mediate the link. Contextual stimuli activate the S-R association.

Asymptote

The asymptote represents the peak level of conditioning achievable in a specific scenario.

Acquisition

Acquisition marks the initial phase in classical conditioning where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a US, leading it to evoke a CR. In operant conditioning, it means strengthening a reinforced response.

Extinction Requirement

Extinction occurs when acquisition is followed by the removal of reinforcement, prompting a decline in conditioned responses.

Factors Affecting Asymptote

The size and intensity of the unconditioned stimulus (US) influence the asymptote of conditioning.

Extinction Process

Extinction involves removing the reinforcer, causing a conditioned response to become independent of the conditioned stimulus (CS).

Spontaneous Recovery

This phenomenon refers to the reemergence of an extinguished conditioned response following a period of inactivity.

Inhibition Theory

Forgetting is attributed to activities or experiences occurring between initial learning and later attempts to recall information.

Ambiguity Theory

This theory suggests that errors in reasoning stem from inadequate representation of information, leading to interpretations that can be varied.

Conditioned Inhibition

Conditioned inhibition occurs when a CS signals that the US is absent, indicating a type of Pavlovian conditioning.

Generalization

Generalization is the tendency for similar stimuli to evoke similar responses once a response has been conditioned.

Importance of Conditioned Response

The conditioned response (CR) is crucial for learning psychologists as it signifies the success of conditioning efforts; it is the endpoint the experimenter aims to produce.

Types of Conditioned Responses

Eyeblink conditioning: Utilizes a mild electric shock (US) to provoke an eyeblink (UR); the CS is a brief stimulus prompting a CR.
Conditioned suppression: Reflects reduced response rates in the presence of a Pavlovian CS, revealing its inhibitory or aversive properties.
Skin conductance response: Measures changes in skin electrical conductivity caused by emotional arousal, utilizing sensors on the skin.
Taste aversion learning: Involves developing an aversion to a taste following its association with illness.

Eyeblink Conditioning

CS: Can be a tone, light, or vibration; US: Puff of air to the eye; UR: Eyeblink to puff; CR: Eyeblink triggered by the CS.

Conditioned Suppression

This method assesses the reduction in response rate during presentation of a CS previously paired with an aversive stimulus (like shock), determining the inhibition level.

Skin Conductance Response

Assessed through sensors on the palm, skin conductance response is linked to emotional states such as surprise or fear, highlighting physiological reactions to conditioning.

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Description

Test your understanding of classical conditioning with this quiz. Dive into the fundamental concepts including unconditioned stimulus (US), unconditioned response (UR), conditioned stimulus (CS), and conditioned response (CR). Ensure you grasp the distinctions between these parameters for a comprehensive understanding.