Learning 2: Classical Conditioning

Second-order conditioning example

desire for money: obtaining can become linked with the thrill of driving a new car reward

Generalization

CR is observed even though the CS is slightly different from the original one used during acquisition

Discrimination

capacity to distinguish between similar but distinct stimuli

Rescorla and Wagner

introduced cognitive component that accounted to classical conditioning

Watson and Conditioning

• complex reactions could be conditioned using Pavlovian techniques

• emotional responses could be produced by classical conditioning

• conditioning applies to humans as well to animals

Eyeblink conditioning

CC draws upon implicit memory; cerebellum is critical for occurrence; freezing response in rats

Neural elements of CC:

• Cerebellum: eyeblink implicate delay and trace conditioning

• Hippocampus: implicated in trace conditioning

• Amygdala: fear conditioning, behavioural and physiological responses

Biological Preparedness

propensity for learning particular kinds of associations over others