Chapter 13 - Classical Conditioning Flashcards
Classical Conditioning Definition
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.
Neutral Stimulus (NS) Definition
A stimulus that initially elicits no response
Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) Definition
A stimulus that consistently produces a particular, naturally occurring automatic response or reflex
Unconditioned Response (UCR) Definition
The response that occurs automatically when the UCS is presented
Conditioned Stimulus (CS) Definition
An initially neutral stimulus that does not normally produce the UCR
Conditioned Response (CR) Definition
A learned response produced by the CS
Extinction Definition
Is the gradual decrease in the strength or rate of a CR that occurs when the UCS is no longer present
Spontaneous Recovery Definition
Is the reappearance of a CR when the CS is presented, following a rest period
Stimulus Generalisation Definition
Is the tendency for another similar stimulus to produce a response that is similar to the CR
Stimulus Discrimination Definition
Occurs when a person or animal responds to the CS only, but not to any other stimulus that is is similar to the CS
Coca-Cola Example
- 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
Graduated Exposure Definition
A person is taught relaxation techniques followed by the gradual exposure to the feared object or animal over several sessions
Flooding Definition
Uses actual exposure to the feared stimulus at a level greater than usual - the patient is then calmed down through relaxation techniques
Aversion Therapy
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)
Trail and Error Learning Definition
Learning by trying alternative possibilities until the desired outcome is achieved.