Learning theory 1 Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning, studied by Pavlov, occurs when a neutral stimulus (NS) is associated with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) to elicit a response. The UCS causes a reflex response called the unconditioned response (UCR). If the NS is consistently paired with the UCS, it becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) capable of producing a response by itself. This response is a conditioned (learnt) response (CR). When the CS is followed by the UCS, conditioning is reinforced (strengthened). When the CS is repeatedly presented alone, conditioning is extinguished (weakened or inhibited). After extinction seems to be complete, a rest period may e followed by the temporary reappearance of a CR. This is called spontaneous recovery. Though stimulus generalisation, stimuli similar to the CS will also produce the CR. Generalisation gives way to stimulus discrimination when an organism demonstrates the CR only when the specific CS is present. Stimulus: any event that elicits (produces) a response from an organism. Response: a reaction by an organism to a stimulus. UCS: any stimulus that consistently produces an UCR. UCR: the response that occurs automatically as a result of the UCS. CS: the stimulus that is neutral at the start of classical conditioning and does not normally produce the UCR, but eventually becomes associated with the UCS. CR: the learned or acquired response to the CS.

Key processes in classical conditioning

Acquisition: is the overall process during which an organism learns to associate two events (the CS and UCS). The CS and UCS are presented closely together and the duration of acquisition is the number of trials it takes for the CR to be acquired. Extinction: the gradual decrease in the strength or rate of a CR that occurs when the UCS is no longer presented. When a CR no longer follows presentation of the CS. Spontaneous recovery: is the reappearance of a CR when the CS is presented, following a rest period, after the CR appears to have been extinguished. Stimulus generalisation: the tendency for another stimulus one that is similar to the original CS to produce a response that is similar to the CR. Stimulus discrimination: Occurs when a person or animal responds to the CS only, but not to any other stimulus that is similar to the CS.