Comprehensive Overview of Learning in Biology: Key Concepts and Classical Conditioning Defined

What is learning

a relatively permanent change in behavior due to experience

Things NOT included in learning

- Instincts

- Temporary states; ie. drunk, high, etc.

- Physical changes

- Normal maturation

classical conditioning definition

If neutral stimulus consistently precedes a stimulus that elicits a response, the neutral stimulus alone will eventually elicit a response

unconditioned stimulus (US)

Stimulus that elicits reflexive response

Unconditioned Response (UR)

Reflexive response to US

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

Originally neutral/irrelevant stimulus that is paired with the US

Conditioned Response (CR)

New response to the CS

Example:

You have a burger, and you then get nauseous and sick (does not even have to be caused by the burger). Now, when you look at or think about having a burger, you immediately get nauseous.

What is the US, UR, CS, and CR in this situation?

US: Sickness/Flu

UR: Nauseous feeling

CS: Burgers

CR: Disgust/Nausea

What is Extinction?

Gradual disappearance of a conditioned response

How can you achieve extinction?

Repeatedly present the CS without the US

What is the US in the little albert study?

Loud noise

What is the UR in the little albert study?

Fear

What is the CS in the little albert study?

White rat

What is the CR in the little albert study?

Fear