Classical Conditioning
Definition
Classical Conditioning
Classical conditioning is a learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus to produce a conditioned response.
This concept was first demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov in his famous experiments with dogs.
Key Terminology
- Unconditioned stimulus (UCS): A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without prior learning.
- Unconditioned Response (UR): The natural, automatic reaction to the UCS.
- Neural Stimulus: A stimulus that initially produces no specific response.
- Conditioned Stimulus: A previously neutral stimulus that, after association with the UCS, triggers a conditioned response.
- Conditioned Response: A learned response to the conditioned stimulus.
Pavlov's Dogs: The Birth of Classical Conditioning
Example- Pavlov's Experiment presented food paired alongside the sound of the bell to dogs.
- After some time, the dogs started automatically salivating when they heard the sound of the bell.
- This is because the dogs paired the sound of the bell with food, which caused them to salivate.
- A good example of classical conditioning in real life is taste aversion.
- This is when you become ill after eating a certain food, and you associate the illness with the food.
- Therefore, you avoid the food afterwards.
Key Processes in Classical Conditioning
- Acquisition: The initial stage where the NS is paired with the UCS to elicit the CR.
- Extinction: The weakening of the CR when the CS is repeatedly presented without the UCS.
- Spontaneous Recovery: The reappearance of the CR after a rest period following extinction.
- Generalization: The tendency to respond to stimuli similar to the CS.
- Discrimination: The ability to distinguish between the CS and other stimuli.
