Ap Psych Ch 6

Learning

- Changes in behavior

- Neuronal connections

- Stimulus – Response

- Reinforce

Conditioning

- Particular form of learning

- Associations – Connections

Classical Conditioning- conditioning that takes place when a neutral stimulus acquires the capacity to evoke a response that was originally evoked by another stimulus.

A neutral stimulus ordinarily does not evoke the same response in all organisms, by repeated pairing with an unconditioned stimulus, eventually evokes the same response exclusive of the original unconditioned stimulus. At that point the former neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus and the response is a conditioned response. Classical conditioning has taken place. The neutral stimulus has brought about the same response as the original unconditioned stimulus!

Unconditioned Stimulus – the stimulus that naturally evokes an unlearned response – no association of learning is taking place. The response is automatic

Unconditioned Response – a response that is automatically elicited by an unconditioned stimulus – an unlearned reaction to the unconditioned stimulus

Neutral Stimulus – a stimulus that does not bring about a consistent response

Conditioned Stimulus - a previously neutral stimulus that through repeated pairing with the UCS, acquiring the capacity to elicit a conditioned response or the same response as the original unconditioned stimulus elicited.

Conditioned Response – a response elicited by a conditioned stimulus – the conditioned response is identical or at least similar to the original unconditioned response

Processes at work in classical conditioning

Acquisition: the initial stage of learning or the acquisition of an unconditioned response

Extinction: the eventual disappearance of the CR – by the repeated presentation of the CS alone – without the original UCS

Spontaneous Recovery: the reappearance of the CR after extinction and a period of rest although the CR is...