Unit 3B: Learning - Classical Conditioning

A set of flashcards covering key concepts related to classical conditioning, including terminology and definitions.

Classical Conditioning

A type of associative learning that involves learned involuntary responses to stimuli.

Acquisition

The process of learning an association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that unconditionally triggers a response without prior learning.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

An unlearned, naturally occurring response to an unconditioned stimulus.

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

A stimulus that elicits no response before conditioning occurs.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

An originally neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, triggers a conditioned response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that has become a conditioned stimulus.

Habituation

A decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated exposure.

Stimulus Generalization

The tendency for stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus to elicit similar responses.

Stimulus Discrimination

The learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that do not signal the unconditioned stimulus.

Extinction

The diminishing of a conditioned response when the unconditioned stimulus no longer follows the conditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a pause.

Higher Order Conditioning

When a conditioned stimulus is paired with a new neutral stimulus to create a second conditioned stimulus.

Taste Aversion

A learned aversion to a specific food following illness, often established after a single pairing.

Biological Preparedness

The idea that biological constraints are placed on what associations can be learned.