classical conditioning

Question 1

what is classical conditioning

Answer 1

• Classical conditioning assumes learning is by association
• Natural reflexes are paired with neutral stimuli
• Repeated association of the UCS and NS lead to the NS becoming the CS which causes the CR

Question 2

Unconditioned stimulus

Answer 2

this is the original/biological/innate stimulus that causes a reflexive response. It is a stimulus that makes us respond in an unlearnt natural/innate way e.g. food in
Pavlov

Question 3

Unconditioned response.

Answer 3

This is a response to a specific stimulus that occurs naturally. We do not
have to learn the response we are born with it e.g. salivating when presented with food

Question 4

neutral stimulus

Answer 4

A stimulus which does not derive a natural reaction, the thing being conditioned
initially has no response to this stimulus

Question 5

conditioned stimulus

Answer 5

It is a stimulus that originally produced no reflexive response. It has been
associated/presented with the UCS. It has been learnt through repetitive pairing/association. E.g.
The bell in Pavlov’s study

Question 6

conditioned response

Answer 6

The CR is a learnt response to a stimulus. It occurs when the CS is
presented E.g. Little Albert’s CR was fear

Question 7

Extinction

Answer 7

The loss of a conditioned response to the conditioned stimulus (when UCS and CS stop being paired).

Question 8

spontaneous recovery

Answer 8

a previously extinct behaviour returns

Question 9

Generalisation

Answer 9

Stimuli similar to the CS cause the CR to activate e.g. someone who had a bad
experience with spiders is now also scared of beetles

Question 10

Discrimination

Answer 10

Stimuli similar to the CS do not cause the CR to activate e.g. ring a different bell at
Pavlov’s dogs and they give no response