Classical Conditioning Concepts

Learning and Classical Conditioning

Definition of Learning

  • Learning is defined as a change in the neural basis of behavior that is:
    • Relatively permanent (distinguished from performance at a particular time)
    • Resulting from experience (not maturation)
  • Conditioning is synonymous with learning.

Key Vocabulary

  • R: Response
  • S: Stimulus
  • Sd: Discriminative Stimulus
  • S*: Consequence
  • CS: Conditioned Stimulus
  • UCS: Unconditioned Stimulus
  • CR: Conditioned Response
  • UCR: Unconditioned Response

Facilitators of Learning/Conditioning

  1. Contiguity

    • Refers to the co-occurrence of events.
    • Events that occur in the same time/place/context can become associated.
    • Related concepts: Gestalt principle of proximity, Hebb’s theory that “things that fire together, wire together.”
    • Example: Thinking of an apple involves various feature detectors (red, round, smooth).

  2. Contingency

    • Refers to the dependency of events; one event predicts another.
    • In Classical Conditioning, the Conditioned Stimulus (CS) predicts the Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS).
    • In Operant Conditioning, the Discriminative Stimulus (Sd) predicts a specific Response (R) followed by a Consequence (S*).

  3. Surprise

    • Neither the amygdala nor hippocampus respond to familiar stimuli.
    • Repeated exposure (e.g., re-reading notes) does not facilitate learning; new contexts or applications aid retention.

Classical Conditioning Overview

  • Involves associations between stimuli only.
  • Condition: something already learned.
Simple Case of Classical Conditioning
  • S-S Associations: Only involves contiguity, leading to percepts and concepts.
    • Percept: The apple example with feature detectors forming a perceptual network (red, round, shiny).
    • Concept: The noun “apple” related to various attributes and contexts (e.g., apple pie, Macintosh).
Complicated Case - Pavlovian Conditioning
  • Involves both contiguity and contingency.
  • Example: Pavlov’s experiment involves:
    • UCS (food) leading to UCR (salivation).
    • Anticipating food leads to salivation even before it arrives.
    • Practical Example: A smoker experiences cravings when drinking coffee after associating coffee with cigarette breaks.
    • Emotional Conditioning: Certain smells can elicit positive emotions based on previous experiences.
Key Concepts
  • Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Has learned significance; it reliably precedes the UCS.
  • Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS): Automatic stimulus that elicits a pre-wired response (UCR).

Advanced Topics in Pavlovian Conditioning

  • Higher Order Conditioning: Learning about stimuli related to existing conditioned responses (e.g., addiction).
  • Counter Conditioning: Technique used in systematic desensitization for treating phobias.
  • Extinction: Learning that the CS no longer predicts the UCS.
  • Generalization: Responding similarly to similar stimuli.
  • Differentiation: Responding differently to similar stimuli.