Key Concept 1: Classical Conditioning Flashcards
What is Classical Conditioning?
Learning through association, it takes place when we associate two stimuli with each other (Pavlov and Watson & Rayner).
Neutral stimulus (NS)
Neutral response (NR)
Unconditioned stimulus (UCS)
Unconditioned response (UCR)
Conditioned stimulus (CS)
Conditioned response (CR)
Watson & Rayner
The white rabbit begins as a neutral stimulus, it brings no response. But it is paired with a loud and scary noise which brings about a natural fear reaction (unconditioned stimulus and unconditioned response). After several pairings the white rabbit becomes a conditioned stimulus bringing about fear, a conditioned response. This shows how phobias can develop.