Non-Associative Learning and Classical Conditioning

These flashcards cover key concepts related to non-associative learning processes including habituation, sensitization, and elements of classical conditioning.

Habituation

A decrease in responsiveness to a repeated stimulus over time.

Sensitization

An increase in responsiveness due to repeated stimulation.

Dual-process theory

A theory suggesting that both habituation and sensitization can occur from the same stimulus and operate independently but in parallel.

Spontaneous recovery

The re-emergence of a previously habituated response after a period of time has passed.

Stimulus intensity

The strength or energy of a stimulus affecting the degree of habituation or sensitization.

Perceptual priming

Enhanced processing of a stimulus's perceptual features due to prior exposure to the same stimulus.

Conceptual priming

Change in stimulus processing due to prior exposure to a conceptually similar stimulus.

Spatial learning

The process of acquiring information about one's surroundings.

Elicited behavior

A reaction to a stimulus in the environment; it can be reflexive or learned through experience.

Cerebellum

A brain region important for motor-control and classical conditioning, particularly in eye-blink conditioning.

Contiguity theory

The hypothesis that associations are learned when stimuli occur close together in time.

Contingency theory

The idea that associations are learned when a cue provides new predictive information about the unconditioned stimulus (US).

Prediction error

The difference between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs, driving learning processes.

Latent inhibition

A phenomenon in which prior exposure to a stimulus retards later learning of the association between that stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus.

Acoustic startle reflex

A reflex characterized by a rapid reaction to a sudden, unexpected sound.

Place cells

Neurons in the hippocampus with spatially tuned firing patterns, crucial for spatial learning.