Classical conditioning

classical conditioning

Classical Conditioning

Association between one object or event and another object or event; formation of associations between two stimuli that are normally unrelated.

Pavlov’s Experiment

In Pavlov's experiment, dogs began salivating before eating their food, at the sight of the food dish, or the usual technician, associating these stimuli with being fed.

The Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

In Pavlov's theory, a stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response.

The Unconditioned Response (UR)

In Pavlov's theory, the natural response to the unconditioned stimulus.

The Neutral Stimulus (NS)

In Pavlov's theory, a stimulus that initially elicits no specific response other than focusing attention.

The Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

In Pavlov's theory, a previously neutral stimulus that, after becoming associated with the unconditioned stimulus, eventually triggers a conditioned response.

The Conditioned Response (CR)

In Pavlov's theory, the learned response to the conditioned stimulus.

Stimulus contiguity

Acquisition of a conditioned response depends upon the degree to which stimuli are paired in time.

Extinction

If the Conditioned Stimulus (CS) is presented repeatedly in the absence of the Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS), the conditioned association will weaken and eventually be broken.

Stimulus generalisation

Process in which a conditioned response (CR) can be triggered by a stimulus that has never been conditioned but resembles the conditioned stimulus.

Stimulus discrimination

Conditioned response (CR) is learnt only to a specific conditioned stimulus; a response is not evoked by new stimuli that are similar to the original stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

Reappearance of a previously extinguished CR after a period of non-exposure to the CS.

Counter-conditioning

Substitute a positive feeling.