Classical Conditioning

Classical Conditioning

1. a form of learning where a new, neutral stimulus that produces a reflexive, involuntary response until the new stimulus alone produces that response

   • Stimulus discrimination
   • Stimulus generalisation
   • Acquisition
     • overall process during which an organism learns to associate 2 events; timing is crucial as the NS has be present as close to UCS
   • Spontaneous recovery
     • the reappearance of CR when CS is presented, following a rest period after the CS appears to have been extinguished
   • Extinction (CR slowly goes extinct)
     • gradual decrease in stength of CR when UCS is absent

2. Neural Stimulus (NS)

   • stimulus that triggers no natural response in individual experiencing stimulus
     • NS = bell

3. Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

   • stimulus that triggers a natural response in individual experiencing that stimulus
     • UCS = food and water

4. Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

   • the previously neutral stimulus which now triggers a natural response (as if it were the UCS)
     • CS = bell

5. Conditioned Response (CR)

   • response triggered by the unconditioned stimulus
     • CR = salivation (due to bell)

6. Unconditioned Response (UCR)

   • the actual response triggered by unconditioned stimulus
     • UCR = salivation

7. Applications of classical conditioning (FAG)

   • Flooding ("FLOOD" = too much)
     • exposing people to extreme levels or amounts of phobic stimuli and keeping them in contact with it until CR extinguishes
   • Aversion therapy
   • Graduated exposure

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