Learning: Classical Conditioning Flashcards
Classical Conditioning
= learning by forming associations between two stimuli that are normally unrelated
Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)
= a stimulus that elicits a UCR without previous conditioning
Unconditioned Response (UCR)
= an unlearned reaction to a UCS that occurs without previous conditioning
Neutral Stimulus (NS)
= a stimulus that, before conditioning, does not naturally bring about the response of interest
Conditioned Stimulus (CS)
= a previously neutral stimulus that, through repeated pairings with a UCS, now causes a CR
Conditioned Response (CR)
= a learned reaction to a CS that occurs because of previous repeated pairings with a UCS
Steps in Classical Conditioning
UCS elicits UCR
UCS paired with NS causes UCR
CS elicits CR
Factors affecting Classical Conditioning
- Stimulus Contiguity: time between NS & UCS, NS precedes UCS, 1/2 second optimal
- Contingency: predictability/ CR dependent on UCS + CS (depends on how many times paired)
- Individual Learning History: prior learning can hinder
- Preparedness to Learn: biological readiness - survival, phobias
Key Principles of Classical Conditioning
- Acquisition: the phase when acquiring the response that will eventually be learned
- Stimulus Discrimination: respond to CS but not to similar stimuli
- Stimulus Generalisation: respond to stimuli similar to CS
- Extinction: CR no longer occurs (UCS withdrawn)
- Spontaneous Recovery: after extinction & rest period, CR randomly appears again when CS is presented
Examples of Classical Conditioning
- taste aversion eg. associating taste with nausea (pregnant women, chemotherapy patients)
- emotional responds - linking something with an emotion eg. songs, advertising (product + attractive individual/situation > positive emotional response)
- conditioned fears - roller coasters, needles
