Unit 03: Learning: Classical Conditioning

Behaviorism

The branch of psychology that focuses on observable behavior to the exclusion of mental processes.

Classical Conditioning

Focuses on the association of one stimulus with another stimulus to elicit a response. Involved memories that are automatic and actions that are reflexive to stimuli.

Ivan Pavlov's Contiguity Model of Classical Conditioning

The model that illustrates the process of classical conditioning.

UCS (Unconditioned Stimulus)

An external 'sense' that automatically, innately triggers a response.

UCR (Unconditioned Response)

The natural response to a UCS; the response is unlearned or instinctual.

NS (Neutral Stimulus)

An external 'sense' that has no association to the organism at first.

CS (Conditioned Stimulus)

After acquisition, the NS now has an association with the UCS; it elicits a CR.

CR (Conditioned Response)

Behavior that does not occur naturally; it must be learned through pairing of UCS and CS.

Extinction

When the UCS does not follow the CS, CR begins to decrease and eventually stops.

Spontaneous Recovery

When a thought extinct CR goes away, but suddenly and unexpectedly returns.

Generalization

Tendency once a CR is established for stimuli slightly different to the CS elicits similar responses.

Discrimination (Stimulus)

Learned ability to distinguish between a CS and stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus.

Taste Aversion

Tendency to avoid foods that have made us sick in the past.

Taste Aversion Characteristics

One-trial conditioning and biological preparedness.

Food Aversion by Species

Humans are taste-averse, Dogs are smell-averse, Birds are sight-averse.

Cognition in Classical Conditioning

The organism must predict the occurrence of the UCS after the presentation of the NS.

Habituation

Occurs when organisms grow accustomed to and exhibit a diminished response to a repeated or enduring stimulus.

Learned Helplessness

Psychological disorder associated with organisms learning that they have no control over their experience or aversive consequences.

Sensory Adaptation

When receptors stop responding to stimuli; messages can't be sent to the brain.

Habituation (Psychological)

Receptors receive information and send to the brain, but the signals are blocked from the cortex.

Higher-order learning

When a new conditioned stimulus is added on top of an already established CS.

The Period of Acquisition

The initial stage in classical conditioning where an association between NS and UCS takes place.

For successful acquisition

The CS must be presented before the UCS.

Acquisition

The initial stage in classical conditioning in which an association between a neutral stimulus (NS) and an unconditional stimulus (UCS) takes place.

Higher-order Learning

When a new conditioned stimulus is added on top of an already established CS.