How Classical Conditioning Works

How Classical Conditioning Works

1. Classical conditioning involves forming an association between two stimuli resulting in a learned response

   • Phase 1: Before Conditioning
     • requires a naturally occurring stimulus that will automatically elicit a response
       • Salivating in response to the smell of food is a good example of a naturally occurring stimulus.
         • the two critical components
           • • The unconditioned stimulus
             • one that unconditionally, naturally, and automatically triggers a response
           • • The unconditioned response
             • the unlearned response that occurs naturally in response to the unconditioned stimulus
   • Phase 2: During Conditioning
     • the previously neutral stimulus is repeatedly paired with the unconditioned stimulus
       • an association between the previously neutral stimulus and the UCS is formed
         • when you smelled your favorite food, you also heard the sound of a whistle
           • The during conditioning phase involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus
   • Phase 3: After Conditioning
     • presenting the conditioned stimulus alone will come to evoke a response even without the unconditioned stimulus
       • the conditioned response would be feeling hungry when you heard the sound of the whistle

2. Classical conditioning involves forming an association between two stimuli resulting in a learned response

   • Key Principles
     • five key principles of classical conditioning
       • Acquisition
         • Acquisition is the initial stage of learning when a response is first established and gradually strengthened
       • Extinction
         • is when the occurrences of a conditioned response decrease or disappear
       • Spontaneous Recovery
         • is the reappearance of the conditioned response after a rest period or period of lessened response
       • Stimulus Generalization
         • is the tendency for the conditioned stimulus to evoke similar responses after the response has been conditioned
       • Stimulus Discrimination
         • ability to differentiate between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that have not been paired with an unconditioned stimulus