Behaviorism and Classical Conditioning

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to behaviorism and classical conditioning.

Behaviorism

A psychological approach that focuses solely on observable behavior and the ways in which it can be changed.

Learning

A relatively permanent change in behavior due to experience.

Conditioning

A process of learning in which an association is made between a stimulus and a response.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired, leading to a learned response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

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

Unconditioned Response (UR)

An unlearned response that occurs naturally in reaction to the unconditioned stimulus.

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

A stimulus that initially produces no specific response until it is associated with an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that has become associated with an unconditioned stimulus.

Stimulus Generalization

The tendency for the conditioned response to be elicited by stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Stimulus Discrimination

The ability to distinguish between different stimuli and respond only to the specific conditioned stimulus.

Extinction

The weakening and eventual disappearance of the conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of a conditioned response after a period of extinction when the conditioned stimulus is presented again.

Taste Aversion

A learned aversion to a particular food or drink after experiencing illness following consumption.

Vicarious Conditioning

A form of learning where an individual becomes conditioned by observing another individual being conditioned.