Psychology Module 5: Conditioned Stimuli

Study Notes

Classical Conditioning Concepts

Ivan Pavlov is recognized as the Father of Classical Conditioning.
Classical Conditioning involves learning through associations between events and stimuli, resulting in behavioral changes.

Key Terms in Classical Conditioning

Unconditioned Stimulus (US): A stimulus that naturally triggers an unlearned response without prior conditioning.
Unconditioned Response (UR): The automatic response that occurs when an unconditioned stimulus is presented.
Conditioned Stimulus (CS): A previously neutral stimulus that, after being paired with an unconditioned stimulus, starts to evoke a conditioned response.
Neutral Stimulus (NS): A stimulus that does not initially elicit any response until it is associated with the unconditioned stimulus.

Responses and Processes

Conditioned Response (CR): The learned response that occurs in reaction to the conditioned stimulus after conditioning.

Conditioning Dynamics

Stimulus Generalization: The phenomenon where responses are triggered by stimuli that are similar but not identical to the conditioned stimulus.
Stimulus Discrimination: The process that enables organisms to differentiate between similar stimuli and respond only to the conditioned stimulus.

Conditioning Outcomes

Extinction: The reduction of the conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus, leading to a dissociation between the two.
Spontaneous Recovery: The unexpected re-emergence of a conditioned response after a period of extinction, demonstrating that learning is maintained even when the response is no longer reinforced.

Description

Test your knowledge on classical conditioning with this quiz focused on key terms and definitions from Module 5. Explore concepts such as Pavlov's work, unconditioned stimuli, and the principles of learning through associations.