Classical and Operant Conditioning -IB Psych

Savage 2025 Midterm

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

environmental stimulus that is biologically potent

Conditioned Stimulus(CS)

An environmental stimulus that by itself does not produce any biologically predetermined reaction

Unconditioned Response

A reflex response to the unconditioned stimulus

Conditioned Respone

A learned response acquired through experience

Aim of the Little Albert Study

to induce a specific phobia in a child using the mechanisms of classical conditioning

Description of the Little Albert Study

The researchers placed little Albert in front of a white rat (CS), and whenever he reached out to touch it they hit two metal bars behind his head which made a loud noise (UCS), which he was scared of (UCR). Eventually, he became scared of soft, white things (CR).

Reason study is connected to classical conditoning

Proved that it is possible to develop a phobia using classical conditioning.

Positive Reinforcement

When a reward is given (yay!)

Negative Reinforcement

When an aversive stimulus is removed

Positive Punishment

A negative consequence is introduced

Negative Punishment

a attractive factor is removed