AP Psych: Unit 6 Classical Conditioning

AP Psychology Topic 3.7

Behavioral Perspective

Focuses on how behavior is learned through interactions with the environment

Classical Conditioning

Learning by associating two stimuli, leading to an automatic response

Acquisition

The process of learning the association between a stimulus and response

UCS (Unconditioned Stimulus)

A stimulus that naturally triggers a response

UCR (Unconditioned Response)

An automatic response to the UCS

CS (Conditioned Stimulus)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after association with the UCSM triggers a response

CR (Conditioned Response)

A learned response to the CS

Extinction

The weakening of a learned response when the CS is no longer paired with the UCS

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of an extinct response after a rest period

Discriminative Stimulus

A cue that signals when a behavior will be reinforced or punished

Stimulus Generlization

Responding similiarly to stimuli that resemble the CS

Stimulus Discrimination

Learning to respond only to a specific stimulus, not similar ones

Higher-Order Conditioning

Pairing a new stimulus with an already established CS to create a new association

Classical Conditioning of Emotions

Associating a neutral stimulus with an emotional response (e.g., fear of dogs after being bitten)

Classical Conditioning in Therapy (Counterconditioning)

Replacing an unwanted response with a more desirable one (e,g, pairing relaxation with a feared stimulus)

Taste Aversions

Developing a dislike for a food after a single bad experience (e.g., getting sick)

One Trial Conditioning

Learning that occurs after just one pairing of stimuli

Biological Preparedness

The tendency to learn certain associations more easily due to evolution (e.g., fearing snakes)

Habituation

Decreased response to a repeated stimulus over time