Ch 5 Stimulus Substitution Theory

Stimulus Substitution Theory

A theory proposed by Ivan Pavlov stating that the conditioned stimulus acts as a substitute for the unconditioned stimulus in classical conditioning.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after being paired with an unconditioned stimulus, becomes associated with it and elicits a conditioned response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

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

Unconditioned Response (UR)

The natural response that occurs in reaction to an unconditioned stimulus.

Occipital Lobe

The region of the brain primarily responsible for visual processing.

Medulla

The part of the brain responsible for regulating vital functions, including salivary activity.

Aversive Conditioning

A form of conditioning where an unpleasant or painful stimulus is paired with a neutral stimulus, leading to avoidance behavior.

Preparatory Response Theory

A theory suggesting that the conditioned stimulus prepares an individual for the unconditioned stimulus.

Autoshaping

A classical conditioning paradigm where an organism learns to associate a stimulus with a reward, leading to a specific response to that stimulus.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that has become associated with an unconditioned stimulus.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process in which an organism learns to associate a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.

Reinforcement

A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Positive Reinforcement

Introducing a pleasant stimulus to increase the frequency of a behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase the frequency of a behavior.

Extinction

The process through which a conditioned response decreases after the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus.

Discrimination

The ability to differentiate between similar stimuli and respond only to the conditioned stimulus.

Generalization

The tendency to respond to stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Behavior Modification

The use of techniques to increase desirable behaviors and decrease undesirable behaviors through reinforcement and punishment.

Operant Conditioning

A method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior.

Conditioned Taste Aversion

A learned aversion to a particular taste that has been associated with a negative reaction, often sickness.