Pavlovian Learning: Basic Principles & Applications

These flashcards cover key concepts from Pavlovian learning and its applications, helping you review essential terminology and theories in preparation for your exam.

Higher-Order Conditioning

A form of conditioning where a conditioned stimulus is paired with a new neutral stimulus to create a new conditioned response.

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

A stimulus that initially does not elicit any intrinsic response.

Unconditional Stimulus (US)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without prior conditioning.

Unconditional Response (UR)

The unlearned, naturally occurring reaction to an unconditional stimulus.

Conditional Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after associating with an unconditional stimulus, begins to evoke a learned response.

Conditional Response (CR)

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

Stimulus Substitution Theory

The theory suggesting that the conditioned stimulus becomes a neural substitute for the unconditioned stimulus.

Rescorla-Wagner Model

A theory explaining learning as driven by surprises or prediction errors, focusing on how much we are surprised by an outcome.

Compensatory Response Theory

A theory suggesting that the conditioned response prepares the body for the onset of the unconditioned stimulus.

Latent Inhibition

The reduced ability to learn about a stimulus due to prior exposure to that stimulus without any response.

Exposure Therapy

A behavioral treatment for phobias that involves gradual exposure to the feared object or context.

Systematic Desensitization

A behavioral technique used to reduce anxiety by gradually exposing a patient to an anxiety-producing stimulus paired with relaxation.