Classical Conditioning and Reinforcement Concepts

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to classical conditioning and reinforcement.

Unconditioned stimulus (US or UCS)

The original stimulus that elicits a natural, reflexive response, such as food in the Pavlovian paradigm.

Unconditioned response (UR or UCR)

The natural, involuntary response elicited by the unconditioned stimulus, like salivation in response to food.

Spontaneous recovery

The phenomenon where a conditioned response briefly reappears after it has been extinguished and without further training.

Taste aversion

A learned aversion to a specific food or drink after experiencing nausea following its consumption, leading to avoidance.

Reinforcement

A consequence that makes a behavior more likely to occur; it can be positive or negative.

Positive reinforcement

The addition of something pleasant to increase a behavior.

Negative reinforcement

The removal of something unpleasant to increase a behavior.