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Classical Conditioning

A learning process where a neutral stimulus elicits a response after being associated with a stimulus that naturally produces that response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to a previously neutral stimulus after conditioning.

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

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

Unconditioned Response (UR)

The unlearned, naturally occurring response to the unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

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

Generalization

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

Discrimination

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

Extinction

The decrease in the conditioned response when the unconditioned stimulus is no longer paired with the conditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of a conditioned response after a rest period following extinction.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a pleasant stimulus to increase behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase behavior.

Positive Punishment

Adding an unpleasant stimulus to decrease behavior.

Negative Punishment

Removing a pleasant stimulus to decrease behavior.

Shaping Behavior

Reinforcing closer approximations of a desired behavior.

Latent Learning

Learning that is not immediately visible until there is a reason to demonstrate it.

Cognitive Map

A mental representation of spatial layouts.

Observational Learning

Learning by observing others and their consequences.

Priming

The unconscious activation of related associations.

Context-Dependent Memory

Better recall of information when in the same environment as when it was learned.

State-Dependent Memory

Better recall of information in the same physiological or emotional state as when it was learned.

Encoding Failure

Information never enters long-term memory due to lack of attention.

Storage Decay

Memories fade over time, particularly within the first 48 hours.

Retrieval Failure

Stored memory cannot be accessed due to interference.

Misinformation Effect

New information received after an event alters the original memory.

False Memories

Inaccurate recollections of an event or experience that feel real.

Eyewitness Testimony

An account given by people of an event they have witnessed, which can often be unreliable.