Stimulus and Response

Conditioned Stimulus

Previously neutral stimulus that, after being repeatedly associated with an unconditioned stimulus, evokes a conditioned response.

Ex: white rat after association

Conditioned Response

A learned reaction to a previously neutral stimulus that has been paired with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a response.

Ex: fear that has been paired with the white rat

Neutral Stimulus

A stimulus that initially does not produce any specific response.

Ex: white rat before association

Unconditioned Stimulus

Something that naturally triggers a reflexive response without prior learning or conditioning.

Ex: loud metal clanking

Uncondioned Response

An automatic reaction to a stimulus that occurs naturally without any prior learning.

Ex: fear from loud metal clanking