Classical Conditioning (Chapter 13)

Question 1

Classical Conditioning Definition

Answer 1

Classical Conditioning is a form of learning in which a previously neutral stimulus comes to elicit a reflexive response by repeated association with a stimulus that automatically elicits the reflex response.

Question 2

Neutral Stimulus (NS) Definition

Answer 2

A stimulus that initially elicits no response

Question 3

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) Definition

Answer 3

A stimulus that consistently produces a particular, naturally occurring automatic response or reflex

Question 4

Unconditioned Response (UCR) Definition

Answer 4

The response that occurs automatically when the UCS is presented

Question 5

Conditioned Stimulus (CS) Definition

Answer 5

An initially neutral stimulus that does not normally produce the UCR

Question 6

Conditioned Response (CR) Definition

Answer 6

A learned response produced by the CS

Question 7

Extinction Definition

Answer 7

Is the gradual decrease in the strength or rate of a CR that occurs when the UCS is no longer present

Question 8

Spontaneous Recovery Definition

Answer 8

Is the reappearance of a CR when the CS is presented, following a rest period

Question 9

Stimulus Generalisation Definition

Answer 9

Is the tendency for another similar stimulus to produce a response that is similar to the CR

Question 10

Stimulus Discrimination Definition

Answer 10

Occurs when a person or animal responds to the CS only, but not to any other stimulus that is is similar to the CS

Question 11

Coca-Cola Example

Answer 11

UCS: good looking people, fun sexy, happiness
UCR: feeling good, desire to be like this

NS: Coke
CS: Coke
CR: Feeling good about coke/desire to buy coke

Question 12

Graduated Exposure Definition

Answer 12

A person is taught relaxation techniques followed by the gradual exposure to the feared object or animal over several sessions

Question 13

Flooding Definition

Answer 13

Uses actual exposure to the feared stimulus at a level greater than usual - the patient is then calmed down through relaxation techniques

Question 14

Aversion Therapy

Answer 14

Where a person with an unwanted behaviour learns to associate the unwanted behaviour with an unpleasant event

(e.g. used with alcohol/smoking/biting nails)

Question 15

Trail and Error Learning Definition

Answer 15

Learning by trying alternative possibilities until the desired outcome is achieved.

Question 16

Trial and Error Learning Laws - EFFECT (1)

Answer 16

1. Law of Effect: states that behaviour becomes controlled by its consequences (if it feels good, we do it again; if it feels bad we don’t)

Question 17

Trial and Error Learning Laws - RECENCY (2)

Answer 17

2. Law of Recency: states that the most recent response is the one with the greatest effect

Question 18

Trial and Error Learning Laws - EXERCISE (3)

Answer 18

3. Law of Exercise: states that stimulus-response connections are strengthened through repitition and weakened when there is no repitition