Classical Conditioning – Class Notes
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moro_sisClassical Conditioning – Class Notes
Uploaded by
moro_sisClassical Conditioning – Class Notes
Overview
Classical Conditioning is a type of learning in which an organism learns to associate two
stimuli and anticipate events. It was first discovered by Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist,
while studying the digestive system of dogs.
I. Key Terminology
1. Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)
● A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response.
● Example: Food causes a dog to salivate.
2. Unconditioned Response (UCR)
● The unlearned, naturally occurring response to the UCS.
● Example: Salivation in response to food.
3. Neutral Stimulus (NS)
● A stimulus that initially elicits no specific response.
● Example: The sound of a bell before conditioning.
4. Conditioned Stimulus (CS)
● Previously neutral stimulus that, after being paired with the UCS, triggers a
conditioned response.
● Example: Bell sound after being paired with food.
5. Conditioned Response (CR)
● The learned response to the conditioned stimulus.
● Example: Salivation in response to the bell.
II. Process of Classical Conditioning
1. Before Conditioning
● UCS → UCR
○ Food → Salivation
● NS → No response
○ Bell → No salivation
2. During Conditioning
● NS + UCS → UCR
○ Bell + Food → Salivation
● Repeated pairings strengthen the association.
3. After Conditioning
● CS → CR
○ Bell alone → Salivation
III. Key Concepts
1. Acquisition
● The initial stage where the organism learns the association between NS and UCS.
2. Extinction
● The diminishing of a CR when the CS is repeatedly presented without the UCS.
● Example: Bell without food → reduced salivation over time.
3. Spontaneous Recovery
● The reappearance of a weakened CR after a pause.
4. Generalization
● The tendency to respond to stimuli similar to the CS.
● Example: A dog salivating to a tone similar to the original bell.
5. Discrimination
● The learned ability to distinguish between the CS and other irrelevant stimuli.
IV. Applications of Classical Conditioning
1. In Therapy
● Systematic desensitization for phobias.
● Aversion therapy (e.g., pairing alcohol with nausea-inducing drugs).
2. In Education
● Creating positive classroom environments to associate learning with enjoyment.
3. In Advertising
● Pairing products with appealing stimuli to create positive emotional responses.
V. Important Experiments
1. Pavlov’s Dogs
● UCS: Food
● UCR: Salivation
● NS: Bell
● CS: Bell (after pairing)
● CR: Salivation
2. Little Albert Experiment (John B. Watson)
● UCS: Loud noise
● UCR: Fear
● NS: White rat
● CS: White rat (after pairing)
● CR: Fear of the white rat and other white furry objects
● Ethically controversial but demonstrated emotional conditioning.
VI. Differences from Operant Conditioning
Feature Classical Conditioning Operant Conditioning
Discovered by Ivan Pavlov B.F. Skinner
Focus Involuntary responses Voluntary behaviors
Key Association between two Consequences of behavior
Mechanism stimuli (reinforcement/punishment)
Example Dog salivates to bell Rat presses lever for food
VII. Tips to Remember
● Classical = automatic, reflexive behavior.
● Use the acronym NS + UCS = UCR → CS = CR to recall the flow.
● Think: Pavlov’s dog → Bell → Salivation (not a conscious decision).
Practice Questions
1. Identify the UCS, UCR, CS, and CR in the following scenario:
A child hears a song repeatedly during dentist visits. Later, hearing that song causes the
child to feel anxious.
2. What is the difference between generalization and discrimination?
3. Describe how classical conditioning could be used to treat a fear of elevators.
