6.4 Conditioned Stimulus and Higher Order Classical Conditioning

Higher Order Classical Conditioning

Introduction to Higher Order Classical Conditioning

  • Definition: Higher order classical conditioning refers to the process whereby a conditioned stimulus (CS) can be associated with a neutral stimulus (NS) to create a new conditioned stimulus, effectively creating a chain of associations involving multiple stimuli rather than just a basic pairing of one CS with one unconditioned stimulus (US).

  • Context: Traditionally, classical conditioning involves a straightforward pairing of one stimulus with another. However, real-world learning often involves more complex scenarios where multiple stimuli interact.

Example Using Pavlov's Experiment

  • Original Experiment Setup: Pavlov used a tone (CS) paired with meat powder (US), leading to the conditioned response (CR) of salivation from the dog when it hears the tone alone.

Process of Higher Order Conditioning

  1. **First Order Conditioning:

    • Conditioned Stimulus:** Tone

    • Unconditioned Stimulus:** Meat powder

    • Conditioned Response (CR): Salivation in response to the tone.

  2. Introduction of a Neutral Stimulus:

    • A second neutral stimulus, such as a red light, is introduced and not previously associated with food.

    • When the red light (NS) is repeatedly paired with the metronome (CS), it eventually becomes a conditioned stimulus.

  3. Emergence of New Conditioned Response:

    • The red light, now a CS, begins to elicit salivation (CR) even in the absence of the US (meat powder).

    • The response is mediated through the associations built around the original CS (metronome).

Real-World Example of Higher Order Conditioning

  • Practical Scenario with a Grandmother:

    • Initial Neutral Stimulus: The grandmother herself represents a neutral stimulus in the early years of a child's life.

Development of Emotional Associations

  1. Role of Unconditioned Stimulus (US):

    • Cookies are an unconditioned stimulus that elicits feelings of happiness (unconditioned response, UR) in children due to their inherent appeal.

  2. Transition to Conditioned Stimulus (CS):

    • As the grandmother provides cookies consistently, she becomes a conditioned stimulus that generates feelings of happiness (conditioned response, CR) in the child, even without the cookies present.

Introduction of Additional Neutral Stimuli

  1. Introduction of the Perfume:

    • A neutral stimulus (NS), such as a specific perfume worn by Grandma, becomes associated with her presence and the positive experiences (cookies, money).

    • If the child consistently experiences this pairing, the perfume itself can become a conditioned stimulus.

  2. Resulting Conditioned Response:

    • Later encounters with this perfume, even in other settings (e.g., a department store), may invoke feelings of happiness due to its association with Grandma and the positive experiences linked to her.

Chain of Associations in Higher Order Conditioning

  • Linkages Formed:

    • Grandma (CS) → Cookies (US) → Happy Feelings (UR)

    • Grandma (CS) → Perfume (NS to CS) → Happy Feelings (CR)

Conclusion

  • Complex Relationships: The discussion illustrates how complex chains of emotional associations can be formed through higher order classical conditioning, demonstrating the intricate ways that various stimuli can become interlinked in human experiences, leading to learned responses based on a broader range of stimuli interactions beyond the basic Pyvlovian framework.