Classical Conditioning

Classical Conditioning (CC)

A type of learning where a previously neutral stimulus elicits a response after being paired with a stimulus that naturally elicits that response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically elicits a response.

Unconditioned Response (UR)

A reflexive, natural response to the unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that elicits a response after being paired with an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to the conditioned stimulus.

Acquisition

The phase in which the neutral stimulus is paired with the unconditioned stimulus until the conditioned response is established.

Extinction

The decrease and eventual disappearance of the conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

The unexpected reappearance of a previously extinguished conditioned response.

Stimulus Generalization

The phenomenon where stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus elicit the conditioned response.

Operant Conditioning (OP)

A type of learning where behaviors are modified by their consequences, emphasizing rewards or punishments.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a pleasant stimulus following a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an unpleasant stimulus after a behavior to increase the probability of that behavior being repeated.

Positive Punishment

Introducing an unpleasant stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.

Negative Punishment

Removing a desirable stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.

Extinction (OP)

The gradual reduction of a behavior when it is no longer reinforced.

Shaping

Gradually reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior until the target behavior is achieved.

Schedules of Reinforcement

Patterns determining how and when reinforcement is delivered, such as continuous vs intermittent reinforcement.

Conditioned Taste Aversion

A learned avoidance of a specific food or drink that has been associated with an unpleasant experience, typically nausea.

Higher-Order Conditioning

A form of conditioning where a conditioned stimulus is paired with a new neutral stimulus, creating a new conditioned stimulus.

Latent Learning

Learning that occurs without obvious reinforcement and isn’t immediately reflected in behavior.

Observational Learning

Learning that occurs by observing the behavior of others, often involving imitation.

Cognitive Map

A mental representation of one's physical environment, often developed through exploration.