Psychology Flashcards: Classical Conditioning

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Questions and Answers

What is classical conditioning?

The tendency of animals to learn certain associations.

A reflex action innate to a stimulus.

Learning that occurs when a conditioned stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus. (correct)

The strengthening of a response through reinforcement.

What is an unconditioned stimulus (US)?

A stimulus that automatically triggers a response.

Define an unconditioned response.

A reflex action innately elicited by a stimulus.

What is a neutral stimulus?

A stimulus that initially produces no specific response. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what a conditioned stimulus is.

A previously neutral stimulus that elicits a response after being associated with an unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is a conditioned response?

Learned reflex response to a conditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term generalization refer to in conditioning?

The tendency to respond to similar stimuli in the same way as a conditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is extinction in classical conditioning?

The disappearance or weakening of a learned response following the removal of the unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

Define a reinforcer.

Any event or object that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. Signup and view all the answers

What is spontaneous recovery?

The reappearance of a learned response after extinction. Signup and view all the answers

Describe higher order conditioning.

Conditioning where a strong conditioned stimulus is paired with a neutral stimulus, leading to the latter becoming a second conditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is vicarious conditioning?

Classical conditioning of a response or emotion by observing another person's reaction. Signup and view all the answers

Explain biological preparedness.

The inclination of animals to learn specific associations that enhance survival. Signup and view all the answers

What is stimulus substitution?

The theory that classical conditioning occurs because the conditioned stimulus substitutes for the unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

Define operant conditioning.

Learning of voluntary behavior through the consequences of responses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the law of effect?

If an action is followed by a pleasurable consequence, it tends to be repeated; if followed by an unpleasant consequence, it tends not to be repeated. Signup and view all the answers

What is reinforcement?

The process that strengthens a response and increases the probability of it occurring again. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Conditioning Concepts

Classical conditioning involves the pairing of a conditioned stimulus (CS) with an unconditioned stimulus (US) to elicit a response.
The unconditioned stimulus (US) automatically triggers a reflexive response without prior learning, such as hunger from the smell of food.
An unconditioned response (UR) is the innate reaction elicited by an unconditioned stimulus, e.g., salivation from food.
A neutral stimulus initially produces no specific response but can become a conditioned stimulus when paired with an unconditioned stimulus.

Learning and Responses

A conditioned stimulus (CS) is a formerly neutral stimulus that, through association with the US, can evoke a learned response.
Conditioned responses (CR) are learned reactions to conditioned stimuli.
Generalization occurs when stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus evoke the conditioned response.
Discrimination involves differentiating between stimuli; responding differently based on the stimulus presented.

Conditioning Dynamics

Extinction is the reduction or disappearance of the conditioned response when the unconditioned stimulus is absent.
A reinforcer is any event or object that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated when presented following a response.
Spontaneous recovery refers to the sudden reappearance of a conditioned response after extinction has occurred.
Higher-order conditioning involves pairing a strong conditioned stimulus with a neutral stimulus, creating a second conditioned stimulus.

Emotional and Vicarious Responses

Conditioned emotional responses are emotional reactions that have become associated with learned stimuli.
Vicarious conditioning occurs when a reflex response or emotion is classically conditioned by observing another's reaction.

Biological Influences and Theories

Biological preparedness refers to an organism's innate tendencies to form certain associations, such as between taste and nausea.
Stimulus substitution suggests that classical conditioning occurs when the conditioned stimulus replaces the unconditioned stimulus due to close pairing.

Operant Conditioning Principles

Operant conditioning involves learning through voluntary behavior influenced by the consequences that follow responses.
The law of effect states that actions followed by pleasurable outcomes are likely to be repeated, while those with unpleasant outcomes are less likely to recur.
Operants are behaviors that are voluntary, in contrast to reflexive responses.
Reinforcement strengthens responses and increases the probability of their recurrence.

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Description

Test your knowledge on classical conditioning with these flashcards! Learn about key terms like conditioned stimulus and unconditioned stimulus, essential for understanding Pavlovian concepts. Perfect for psychology students looking to reinforce their learning.