Introduction to Learning: Classical Conditioning, Habituation/Sensitization, and Related Concepts

Flashcards cover classical conditioning basics, reflexes, fixed action patterns, habituation/sensitization, opponent-process theory, and Pavlovian conditioning details (ISIs, CS/UCS/UCR/CR, appetitive vs aversive, CER, and inhibitory vs excitatory conditioning).

What is classical conditioning?

A learning process in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response, relying on innate stimulus–response reflexes.

What is a reflex arc?

A very quick association between sensory and motor neurons via interneurons in the spinal cord, producing automatic movement without conscious brain input.

Name some reflexes present at birth.

Rooting, sucking, swallowing, breathing, coughing, sneezing, blinking, and elimination of waste.

What is a fixed action pattern (FAP)?

A strongly genetic, species-typical behavior with little variability, elicited by a specific environmental cue.

Provide an example of a fixed action pattern.

Geese migrating in a V-formation triggered by cues like cold weather and shorter days.

What is habituation?

A decrease in response to a repeated, non-harmful stimulus as it is presented over time.

What is sensitization?

An increase in response to a stimulus following arousal or a salient event (e.g., balloon pops causing fear).

Differentiate short-term vs long-term habituation.

Short-term: rapid, temporary reduction that can rebound after a break; long-term: more permanent reduction with less frequent, longer exposure.

What is the Opponent-Process Theory of motivation/emotion?

Emotional responses consist of a primary (A) process and an opposite (B) process; with repetition, the A-process weakens and the B-process strengthens, producing after-effects and potential addictive patterns.

What are A-process and B-process?

A-process is the initial emotional reaction; B-process is the opposite emotional reaction that counteracts A.

Give an example of the opponent-process in boxing.

Initial nervousness before a fight (A-process) followed by a strong positive feeling after the match (B-process) that grows with repeated boxing.

What is the Homeostatic theory of emotion in this context?

Emotional arousal shifts away from neutrality; the opponent process counteracts the shift, shaping the net emotional behavior; repeated exposure strengthens the opponent (B) process.

What happens when an emotion-arousing stimulus is presented according to the Homeostatic theory?

The primary (A) process is elicited first, followed by the opposite (B) process which counteracts the shift.

What is Pavlovian (classical) conditioning?

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a US to elicit a conditioned response.

What do UCS, UCR, CS, and NS stand for?

UCS = unconditioned stimulus; UCR = unconditioned response; CS = conditioned stimulus; NS = neutral stimulus that becomes CS.

What is the role of the CS after conditioning?

The CS signals the future availability of the US and elicits the conditioned response (CR).

How does the strength of CS and UCS affect conditioning?

Higher intensities of CS and UCS generally produce faster and stronger learning.

What is taste aversion or one-trial learning?

A strong CS–UCS association can form even with long delays between CS and UCS, such as linking food poisoning to nausea after exposure to related food.

What is an interstimulus interval (ISI) in conditioning?

The timing sequence between CS and US; determines the conditioning procedure (delayed, trace, simultaneous, backwards).

What is delayed conditioning?

CS is presented first and continues until the US starts, resulting in overlap.

What is trace conditioning?

CS is presented and terminated, then a short gap (trace interval) before the US starts; no overlap.

What is simultaneous conditioning?

CS and US are presented at the same time.

What is backwards (background) conditioning?

US precedes CS; the US ends before the CS begins (e.g., food is given, then light flashes).

What is appetitive conditioning?

Using a pleasant US (e.g., food or water) to produce conditioned approach or seeking.

What is aversive conditioning?

Using an unpleasant US (e.g., tone followed by shock) to produce fear or avoidance.

What is a conditioned emotional response (CER)?

A learned emotional response elicited by a CS, often measured by behavioral suppression (e.g., lever-press suppression).

How is the suppression ratio calculated in CER experiments?

Suppression ratio = CS responding / (CS responding + pre-CS responding); lower values indicate greater suppression.

What are inhibitory conditioning (CS-) and excitatory conditioning (CS+)?

CS- signals the absence or reduction of the US (inhibits response); CS+ signals the presence of the US (elicits a stronger conditioned response).