Pavlovian Classical Conditioning and Drive Theory

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Pavlovian Classical Conditioning and Drive Theory for exam preparation.

Pavlovian Classical Conditioning

A learning process where a neutral stimulus (CS) becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) to elicit a conditioned response (CR).

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that automatically triggers a response without prior learning (e.g., meat powder causing salivation).

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

An automatic, unlearned reaction to the unconditioned stimulus (e.g., salivation when presented with food).

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after being paired with an unconditioned stimulus, begins to elicit a conditioned response (e.g., a bell that causes salivation).

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to a conditioned stimulus (e.g., salivating at the sound of the bell).

Extinction (in Classical Conditioning)

The process in which the conditioned response diminishes when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus.

Experimental Neurosis

A phenomenon observed in animals when they are exposed to difficult discrimination tasks, leading to confusion and stress, similar to neurotic symptoms in humans.

Counterconditioning

A technique used to replace a negative reaction to a stimulus with a positive reaction by pairing it with a positive unconditioned stimulus.

Systematic Desensitization

A therapeutic method that involves gradually exposing a patient to anxiety-inducing stimuli while teaching them to relax to reduce their fear.

Learned Helplessness

A psychological state in which an organism, after experiencing uncontrollable events, becomes passive and fails to act even when possible solutions are available.

Drive Theory

A psychological theory that suggests behavior is motivated by the need to satisfy biological drives, such as hunger and thirst, to maintain homeostasis.

Incentive Value

The attractiveness or desirability of a goal or reward that influences motivation, sometimes more potent than the actual level of deprivation.

Primary Reinforcer

A naturally rewarding stimulus that fulfills a basic biological need, such as food or water.

Secondary Reinforcer

A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through association with primary reinforcers, such as money or praise.

Generalized Reinforcer

A stimulus paired with multiple primary reinforcers, making it a strong motivator across various situations.

Biological Preparedness

The concept that certain associations, such as taste with illness, are more easily learned due to evolutionary factors.

Taste Aversion Learning

A form of classical conditioning where an organism learns to avoid a food that has been associated with illness.

Drive Reduction Theory

The theory that behaviors are motivated by the desire to reduce internal tension caused by unmet biological needs.

Discriminative Stimulus (Sd)

Cues that signal the availability of reinforcement and influence the likelihood of a behavior occurring.