Learning and Classical Conditioning Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering learning theories, classical conditioning, and Pavlovian terminology.

Learning

A systematic, relatively permanent change in behavior that occurs through experience.

Behaviorism

A theory of learning that focuses solely on observable behaviors.

Associative learning

Learning that occurs when an organism makes a connection between two events.

Observational learning

Learning through observing and imitating another person's behavior.

Classical conditioning

When a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus and acquires the ability to produce a similar response, explaining how neutral stimuli become associated with involuntary responses.

Unconditioned stimulus (US)

A stimulus that produces a response without prior learning.

Unconditioned response (UR)

An unlearned reaction automatically produced by an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that eventually produces a conditioned response after being paired with the US.

Conditioned response (CR)

A learned response to a conditioned stimulus.

Pavlov's discovery

Dogs would salivate not only when presented with food, but also in response to stimuli associated with food, such as seeing the food dish or hearing the door.

Reflexes

Automatic stimulus-response connections.

Acquisition

The initial learning of the connection between the US and CS when they are paired.

Contiguity

When the CS and US are presented very close together in time.

Contingency

When the CS serves as a reliable indicator that the US is on its way.

What is generalization?

The tendency for a stimulus similar to the original CS to produce a similar response.

What is discrimination?

Learning to respond to certain stimuli and not others

What is general generalization?

The tendency for a stimulus similar to original CS to produce a similar response

What is extinction?

The weekend of the conditional response when the us us absent

Spontaneous recovery

When a conditioned response returns after a time delay without further conditioning.

How can classical condition Explain fears?

Fears can be learned through associations between stimuli and unpleasant responses

What is taste aversion?

 A learned association between a particular taste and nausea.