Classical Conditioning

classical conditioning

learning that occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a stimulus that naturally produces a specific behavior

reflex

automatic, unlearned response

unconditioned stimulus

something that triggers a natural occurring response

unconditioned response

naturally occurring response that follows the unconditioned stimulus

conditioned stimulus

neutral stimulus that, after being repeatedly presented prior to the unconditioned stimulus, evokes a response similar to the response to the unconditioned stimulus

extinction

reduction in responding that occurs when the conditioned stimulus is presented repeatedly without the unconditioned stimulus

spontaneous recovery

increase in responding to the CS following a pause after extinction

generalization

tendency to respond to stimuli that resemble the original conditioned stimulus

discrimination

the tendency to respond differently to stimuli that are similar but not identical

second-order conditioning

existing conditioned stimulus can serve as an unconditioned stimulus for a pairing with a new conditioned stimulus

phobia

strong and irrational fear of a specific object, activity, or situation

post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a fearful event