Learning and Conditioning

What is classical conditioning?

A learning process where a neutral stimulus produces a response after being paired with a stimulus that naturally produces that response.

What is an unconditioned response?

A natural reaction that occurs without prior learning, such as a dog drooling when it sees food.

In Pavlov's dog experiment, what does the bell represent after conditioning?

The conditioned stimulus that elicits a conditioned response (drooling) after being paired with food.

What are the factors that affect conditioning?

1. Frequency of pairing CS and UCS; 2. Timing of CS presentation; 3. Stimulus generalization; 4. Stimulus discrimination; 5. Extinction. 6. spontaneous recovery 7. biopreparedness

How does frequency affect conditioning?

More frequent pairing of the conditioned stimulus (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (UCS) leads to a stronger association.

What is the most effective timing for classical conditioning?

The conditioned stimulus should be presented immediately before the unconditioned stimulus.

What is stimulus generalization?

The tendency for a conditioned response to be elicited by stimuli that are similar to the original conditioned stimulus.

What is stimulus discrimination?

The ability to distinguish between similar stimuli and respond only to the specific conditioned stimulus. ex. you only respond to your ringtone

What is extinction in classical conditioning?

The gradual elimination of a learned response when the conditioned stimulus is presented repeatedly without the unconditioned stimulus.

What is reconditioning?

The quick return of a conditioned response following extinction when the conditioned stimulus is paired again with the unconditioned stimulus.

What is spontaneous recovery?

The reappearance of a conditioned response after a rest period following extinction without further conditioning.

What is biopreparedness?

The concept that organisms are predisposed to learn certain associations more easily than others.

How does conditioning explain drug cravings?

The body associates the needle (CS) with the drug effects (UCS), leading to cravings (CR) when the needle is seen.

What is counterconditioning?

The process of associating a previously negative stimulus with a new positive experience.

What is systematic desensitization?

A therapeutic technique that involves progressive relaxation training while imagining anxiety-provoking situations.

What is aversion therapy?

A behavioral therapy that pairs undesirable behaviors with aversive stimuli to reduce those behaviors.

What is the role of the unconditioned stimulus in classical conditioning?

It is a stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without prior conditioning.

What is the conditioned response?

The learned response to the conditioned stimulus after conditioning has taken place.

What is the difference between conditioned stimulus and unconditioned stimulus?

The conditioned stimulus is learned through association, while the unconditioned stimulus naturally elicits a response.