Psychology 3.7

Classical Conditioning

Type of learning where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a naturally occurring stimulus.

Association

A mental connection formed between different concepts or events that allows one to trigger thoughts of the other.

Neutral Stimulus

A stimulus that initially has no association and does not trigger any specific response.

Unconditioned Stimulus

A stimulus that naturally triggers a response without prior learning.

Unconditioned Response

A natural, automatic response to a stimulus that occurs instinctively.

Conditioned Stimulus

A previously neutral stimulus that has become associated with a specific response through conditioning.

Conditioned Response

A learned reaction that occurs in response to a previously neutral stimulus that has been paired with an unconditioned stimulus.

Higher-Order Conditioning

A process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a conditioned stimulus, leading to a second-level conditioned response.

Counterconditioning

A behavioral therapy technique that replaces a negative conditioned response with a positive one.

Aversive Conditioning

A type of conditioning that pairs an unwanted behavior with a negative stimulus to create aversion.

Taste Aversion

A learned avoidance of a specific food or taste due to a negative experience.

One-Trial Conditioning

Learning that occurs after a single pairing of a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus.

Acquisition

The initial stage of learning when a conditioned response is first established.

Extinction

The gradual weakening and disappearance of a learned behavior when reinforcement is no longer provided.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of a previously extinct conditioned response after a period without exposure to the conditioned stimulus.

Biological Preparedness

The natural inclination of organisms to learn associations between certain stimuli and responses quickly, particularly those relating to survival.

Habituation

A decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated exposure.

Conditioned Response Example

Salivating at the ringing of the bell, once associated with food.

Learning Acquisition

The process of establishing a conditioned response.

Conditioned vs. Unconditioned Response

A conditioned response is learned; an unconditioned response is instinctive.

Example of Higher-Order Conditioning

A cat salivating when its owner approaches a cabinet that leads to food.

Counterconditioning Example

Pairing a stimulus that provokes fear with a pleasant experience to change the response.

Extinction Process

Occurs when a conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery Process

Can occur after a period of time has elapsed, reviving a lost behavioral response.

Biological Preparedness Example

Easier to develop aversions to snakes/spiders than neutral stimuli.

Effects of Habituation

Repeated exposure leads to a weaker response.

Taste Aversion Example

Avoiding a food that made you sick.

One-Trial Learning Example

Learning to avoid a certain food after one bad experience.

Neutral Stimulus Example

The ringing of the bell before conditioning.

Conditioned Stimulus Example

The bell that causes salivation after being paired with food.

Acquisition Period

The stage where the response is being strengthened.

Extinction Duration

Time without reinforcement leads to the gradual fading of behavior.

Habituation Example

No longer reacting to a repeated sound.

Importance of Extinction

Helps in understanding how behaviors can be unlearned.

Understanding Spontaneous Recovery

Shows that learned behaviors can sometimes resurface.

Role of Biological Preparedness in Conditioning

Certain associations are more quickly learned due to evolutionary advantages.

Significance of Counterconditioning in Therapy

Used to alter negative responses to stimuli.

Classical Conditioning Applications

Used in behavior modification, therapy, and animal training.

Classical Conditioning Key Figures

Pavlov is known for his work with dogs and salivation.

Aversive Conditioning Example

Pairing nausea with a particular alcoholic drink to discourage consumption.

Conditioned Responses in Animals

Animals can learn to associate sounds with feeding times.

Neutral Stimulus Characteristics

Must hold no previous associations for conditioning to take place.

Effectiveness of One-Trial Conditioning

Highly effective for strong aversive experiences.

Extinction of Conditioned Responses

Requires the absence of the unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus Preceding Unconditioned Stimulus

Must occur multiple times for effective conditioning.

Role of Environment in Conditioning

Environmental factors can influence associations formed in classical conditioning.

Spontaneous Recovery Factors

May vary based on time elapsed and context of prior conditioning.

Counterconditioning Mechanism

Involves gradually introducing the feared stimulus paired with positive outcomes.

Applications of Taste Aversion

Important in understanding dietary preferences and aversions.

Conditioned Stimulus in Everyday Life

Advertising often uses conditioned stimuli to generate responses.

Higher-Order Conditioning Explanation

Demonstrates the layers of associations that can be formed.

Conditioning and Reflexes

Conditioned responses can become reflexive behaviors.

Role of Reinforcement in Acquisition

Reinforcement strengthens the new behavior during the acquisition phase.

Spontaneous Recovery Indicates

Potential for conditioning to be re-engaged after seeming extinction.

Biological Preparedness and Fear Responses

Certain fears can be acquired more quickly due to our biology.

Significance of Research in Classical Conditioning

Foundation for understanding behavior and learning processes.

Importance of Extinction in Behavioral Therapy

Helps individuals unlearn harmful responses.

Classical Conditioning and Memory Modifications

Memory processes can be influenced by conditioning techniques.

Role of Habituation in Daily Life

We often become desensitized to repeated stimuli in our environment.

Comparison of Conditioned and Unconditioned Responses

Conditioned responses are controlled by learned experiences, while unconditioned are instinctive.

Higher-Order Conditioning in Advertising

Brands often condition positive feelings through repeated associations with pleasant stimuli.

Counterconditioning Implementation

Can be used to treat phobias by gradually introducing the feared object.

Reflexive Nature of Unconditioned Responses

Involuntary and immediate reaction to an unconditioned stimulus.

Principles of Conditioning Across Species

Conditioning principles apply to a variety of animals and contexts.

Importance of Observing Habituation in Research

Habituation effects can indicate learning processes and changes in behavior.

Extinction Studies in Psychology

Important in demonstrating how behaviors can be modified.

Cognitive Elements in Conditioning

Cognitive processes play a role in how associations are formed and learned.

Conditioning Processes in Everyday Learning

Understanding classical conditioning aids in behavior management strategies.

Research Applications of Classical Conditioning

Utilized in therapeutic practices, animal training, and educational settings.

Key Terms Associated with Classical Conditioning

Includes acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, and counterconditioning.

Cognitive Behavioral Connections to Conditioning

CBT incorporates principles of classical conditioning to address mal-adaptive responses.

Impact of Contextual Cues in Conditioning

Environmental cues can trigger conditioned responses based on prior learning.

Conditioned Responses and Context Dependence

Responses may depend heavily on the context in which they were learned.

Spontaneous Recovery and Its Implications

Reveals the complexity of learned behaviors and emotional responses.

Biological Preparedness in Evolutionary Perspective

Highlights how survival mechanisms are built into learning processes.

Understanding Aversive Conditioning Techniques

Critical for behavioral modification and impulse control therapies.

Implications of One-Trial Learning in Education

Quick associations can lead to either positive or negative learning effects.

Connection Between Habituation and Attention,

Demonstrates how repeated exposure can decrease focus on stimuli.