Pavlovian Conditioning Part 2

These flashcards cover key concepts of Pavlovian Conditioning, including theories, models, and examples to aid comprehension and recall.

What is Pavlovian Conditioning?

It is a learning process that occurs through associations between an environmental stimulus and a naturally occurring stimulus.

What role does the Conditioned Response (CR) play in Pavlovian Conditioning?

The CR prepares the organism for the presentation of the Unconditioned Stimulus (US) and may compensate for its effects.

What does the Rescorla-Wagner Model account for?

It attempts to describe conditioning on a trial-by-trial basis, considering the characteristics of the US and the extent of prior learning.

What is Extinction in Pavlovian Conditioning?

It is the procedure of repeatedly presenting the Conditioned Stimulus (CS) without the US, resulting in the weakening and eventual disappearance of the CR.

What happens during Spontaneous Recovery?

It is the sudden reappearance of a previously extinguished behavior following a rest period.

What is an example of a Conditioned Stimulus (CS) in test anxiety?

The test itself can act as a CS, leading to the Unconditioned Stimulus (failing test grade) resulting in Anxiety (UR).

What is the function of a Conditioned Compensatory Response?

It is a preparatory response that compensates for the anticipated physiological effects of the Unconditioned Stimulus.

What is the difference between the UR and CR according to the Limitations of Stimulus Substitution Theory?

The CR is generally weaker and less reliable than the UR, indicating that they are not the same.

What example did Siegel provide regarding Conditioned Compensatory Responses?

He demonstrated that cues associated with drug use can condition responses that counteract the effects of the drug.

How do dopamine neurons relate to Reward Prediction Errors (RPEs)?

They signal whether the actual reward received was more or less than expected, impacting learning and reinforcement.