Classical Conditioning and Associative Learning (7C) - Psych & Soc

Identify the conditioning type: a tone is paired with food until salivation occurs to the tone.

Classical conditioning. Tone (CS) paired with food (US) produces salivation (CR).
Identify the correct pairing: food causes salivation without learning; what are food and salivation?

Food = US; salivation = UR. Food naturally triggers salivation without learning.
What is the definition of classical conditioning in learning theory?

Learning by associating two stimuli so a neutral stimulus elicits a response. Pavlov's discovery: pairing stimuli creates new learned connections.
What is acquisition in classical conditioning?

Initial learning phase when CS is paired with US to produce a CR. Repeated pairings strengthen the CS-CR association.
Identify the phenomenon: A child fears all dogs after being bitten by one dog.

Stimulus generalization. Fear spreads to perceptually similar stimuli.
What is a conditioned response (CR) in classical conditioning?

A learned response elicited by the conditioned stimulus. Same as UR but now triggered by the CS instead of US.
What is higher-order (second-order) conditioning?

A new CS is paired with an existing CS to elicit a CR without the US. Original CS acts like a US for the new CS.
What is an unconditioned stimulus (US) in classical conditioning?

A stimulus that naturally elicits a reflexive response. Triggers automatic responses without prior learning.
Identify the phenomenon: a strong US reduces learning about a new CS added to an established CS.

Blocking. Prior learning prevents new associations from forming.
Which pairing best defines trace conditioning?

CS ends before the US begins, with a time gap between them. The gap requires memory to bridge CS and US.
What is a conditioned response (CR) in classical conditioning?

A learned response elicited by the conditioned stimulus. Mimics the UR but is triggered by the CS alone.
What is classical conditioning?

Learning via association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus. Neutral stimulus gains power to trigger response through repeated pairing.
Identify the term for the initial learning phase when CS begins to elicit a CR.

Acquisition. CS-US pairings strengthen until reliable CR emerges.
What is the definition of an unconditioned response (UR) in classical conditioning?

Unlearned, reflexive response elicited by the unconditioned stimulus. This automatic response requires no prior learning or experience.
Which timing typically produces the strongest conditioning: forward, simultaneous, or backward pairing?

Forward pairing (CS precedes US). CS preceding the US allows it to serve as a reliable signal, optimizing associative learning.
What is an unconditioned response (UR) in classical conditioning?

An unlearned reflexive response to the unconditioned stimulus. Occurs automatically without prior learning or experience.
What is the neutral stimulus (NS) before conditioning?

A stimulus that does not elicit the target response before pairing. Like a bell that initially has no special meaning.
What is a conditioned stimulus (CS) after conditioning occurs?

A previously neutral stimulus that now elicits a learned response. Through pairing with US, NS transforms into CS.
What is the key difference between classical and operant conditioning?

Classical links stimuli; operant links behavior to consequences. Classical is passive association; operant is active learning.
Identify the correct term: A stimulus that blocks learning about a second stimulus when both predict the US.

Blocking. Prior learning prevents new associations from forming.
Which pairing best defines forward (delay) conditioning?

CS begins before the US and overlaps with it. This timing produces the strongest conditioning.
Which term describes how soon the US follows the CS and affects conditioning strength?

Temporal contiguity. Closer timing produces stronger conditioning.
Identify the phenomenon: a conditioned taste aversion forms after a long delay between taste and illness.

Taste aversion (Garcia effect). Evolution prepared us to link nausea with taste, not other cues.
What is the Rescorla-Wagner model's core idea about conditioning strength?

Learning depends on prediction error: actual US minus expected US. Learning occurs when outcomes differ from expectations.
What is classical conditioning?

Learning by associating two stimuli to elicit an involuntary response. Pavlov's discovery: pairing stimuli creates automatic responses.
Identify the phenomenon: prior CS–US learning prevents conditioning to a new CS.

Blocking. The existing association prevents new learning.
Which option best defines the Garcia effect (conditioned taste aversion)?

Rapid taste–illness learning, often after long delays, with biological preparedness. Evolution prepared us to associate taste with sickness.
What is conditioned taste aversion?

Learned aversion to a taste paired with nausea, often after one trial. Evolutionary adaptation: rapid learning prevents repeated poisoning.
Identify the timing: CS begins and continues until US begins; which conditioning procedure is this?

Delayed conditioning. Most effective: CS overlaps with US onset.
What is the conditioned stimulus (CS) after conditioning?

A previously neutral stimulus that now elicits a learned response. Through repeated pairing, it gains power to trigger responses.
What is a conditioned response (CR) in classical conditioning?

A learned response elicited by the conditioned stimulus. Acquired through conditioning, often similar to UR.
Identify the process: After extinction, the CR returns the next day when CS is presented again.

Spontaneous recovery. Extinguished associations resurface after time delay.
What is the conditioned stimulus (CS) in classical conditioning?

A previously neutral stimulus that elicits a response after being paired with the US. Through repeated pairing, it gains the power to trigger responses.
A tone is repeatedly presented without the shock after conditioning; freezing decreases. What is this process?

Extinction. CS alone gradually loses its power to elicit the CR.
What is temporal contiguity in classical conditioning?

CS and US occur close together in time. Facilitates stronger associations when the CS and US are presented in close temporal proximity.
Identify the phenomenon: Learning to fear only a specific tone frequency after training with multiple tones.

Stimulus discrimination. Training refines responses to respond only to the precise CS, ignoring similar but distinct stimuli.
Which option best defines salience in associative learning?

How noticeable or attention-grabbing a stimulus is. More salient stimuli form stronger associations faster.
Which conditioning procedure occurs when the CS starts and ends before the US begins?

Trace conditioning. A time gap exists between CS offset and US onset.
What is the Rescorla–Wagner model's core idea about what is learned?

Learning tracks prediction error: unexpected US produces learning. Learning occurs when outcomes differ from expectations.
Which timing produces strongest conditioning: forward, simultaneous, or backward conditioning?

Forward conditioning (CS precedes US). CS must predict US; simultaneous/backward timing fails.
What is an unconditioned response (UR) in classical conditioning?

A reflexive response naturally elicited by the unconditioned stimulus. Automatic, unlearned reaction like salivating to food.
What is higher-order (second-order) conditioning?

A neutral stimulus becomes a CS by pairing with an established CS. The original CS acts like a US for the new stimulus.
What is the key distinction between contingency and contiguity?

Contingency is predictive relationship; contiguity is temporal closeness. Prediction matters more than just timing for learning.
Identify the learning process in which a CS becomes associated with a US.

Acquisition. The initial learning phase where associations form.
What is the key difference between classical and operant conditioning?

Classical pairs stimuli; operant pairs behavior with consequences. Classical involves involuntary associations between stimuli, while operant shapes voluntary behaviors via consequences.
What is the Rescorla-Wagner model's key idea about what drives conditioning?

Learning depends on prediction error (surprise) about the US. Greater surprise produces stronger conditioning.
What is a conditioned stimulus (CS) in classical conditioning?

A previously neutral stimulus that predicts the unconditioned stimulus. Gains significance through repeated pairing with the US.
What is a conditioned response (CR) in classical conditioning?

A learned response elicited by the conditioned stimulus. Results from associative learning between CS and US.
What is overshadowing in classical conditioning?

A more salient CS reduces conditioning to a less salient CS presented together. Stronger stimulus dominates weaker one in competition.
Identify the phenomenon: preexposure to a stimulus slows later conditioning to that stimulus.

Latent inhibition. Familiarity reduces associability.
What is classical conditioning?

Learning by associating two stimuli so one predicts the other. Forms predictive associations between environmental events.
Which conditioning procedure occurs when the US occurs before the CS?

Backward conditioning. Generally ineffective as CS cannot predict an already-occurred US.
What is blocking in classical conditioning?

Prior CS–US learning prevents a new stimulus from becoming a CS. Existing association blocks new learning (Kamin effect).
Identify the term: the CS predicts the US and drives learning in many models of conditioning.

Contingency (CS–US predictiveness). Learning is strongest when CS reliably predicts US occurrence.
What is latent inhibition in classical conditioning?

Preexposure to CS slows later conditioning because CS seems irrelevant. Familiarity without consequence reduces stimulus salience.
What is an unconditioned stimulus (US) in classical conditioning?

A stimulus that naturally and automatically elicits a response. Like food causing salivation without any prior learning.
What is the Rescorla-Wagner model's core idea about what drives conditioning?

Learning is driven by prediction error (surprise) about the US. Unexpected outcomes drive stronger learning.
Which option best describes higher-order conditioning?

A new CS is learned by pairing it with an existing CS. Original CS substitutes for US in new learning.
What is the definition of a conditioned response (CR) in classical conditioning?

Learned response elicited by the conditioned stimulus. This response is acquired through the conditioning process.
Which option best defines contiguity in classical conditioning?

How close in time the CS and US occur. Temporal proximity facilitates association formation.
What is higher-order (second-order) conditioning?

A CS is paired with a new neutral stimulus to condition it. The original CS acts like a US for the new stimulus.
What is latent inhibition in classical conditioning?

Preexposure to CS slows later conditioning when CS is paired with US. Familiarity from preexposure reduces the CS's novelty, inhibiting new associations with a US.
What is the contiguity principle in classical conditioning?

Learning is strengthened when CS and US occur close in time. Temporal proximity enhances association formation.
What is the difference between forward and backward conditioning?

Forward: CS before US; backward: CS after US. Forward is more effective for learning associations.
What is spontaneous recovery in classical conditioning?

Reappearance of an extinguished CR after a rest period. Demonstrates that extinction suppresses but does not fully erase the original conditioning.
What is the unconditioned response (UR) in classical conditioning?

An unlearned, automatic response to the unconditioned stimulus. Occurs reflexively and automatically in response to the unconditioned stimulus, without learning.
Identify the phenomenon: prior exposure to a neutral stimulus slows later conditioning to it.

Latent inhibition. Familiarity without consequence reduces associability.
Identify the phenomenon: A learned fear of one dog generalizes to similar-looking dogs.

Stimulus generalization. Conditioned responses extend to stimuli sharing features with the original CS due to similarity.
Identify the phenomenon: a strong CS prevents learning about a new CS added later.

Blocking. The established predictor captures all learning.
What is discrimination in classical conditioning?

Learning to respond only to the specific CS and not similar stimuli. Allows precise responses by distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant cues.
What is a conditioned stimulus (CS) in classical conditioning?

A previously neutral stimulus that elicits a learned response. Gains response-eliciting power through pairing with US.
Identify the phenomenon: a prior CS blocks learning about a new CS when both predict the same US.

Blocking. The first CS already predicts the US, preventing new learning.
What is the Rescorla-Wagner model's core idea about learning?

Learning is driven by prediction error (surprise) about the US. Unexpected outcomes drive stronger learning than expected ones.
Identify the term for learning that a CS does not predict a US due to prior CS–US learning.

Blocking. Prior learning prevents new CS-US associations.
What is stimulus discrimination in classical conditioning?

Learned ability to respond to the CS but not to similar stimuli. Allows precise responses to specific stimuli only.
Which option best describes forward conditioning: CS timing relative to US?

CS occurs before the US. Most effective timing for establishing associations.
What is extinction in classical conditioning?

Decrease of CR when CS is repeatedly presented without the US. Results from presenting the CS without the US, weakening the learned association over time.
Which option best defines acquisition in classical conditioning?

Initial learning phase when the CS becomes associated with the US. Repeated CS-US pairings strengthen the association.
What is an unconditioned response (UR) in classical conditioning?

An unlearned reflexive response to the unconditioned stimulus. Occurs automatically without any learning history.
What is stimulus contingency in classical conditioning?

Degree to which CS predicts the US (CS provides information about US). Predictive relationship matters more than mere co-occurrence.
What is the key distinction between classical and operant conditioning?

Classical pairs stimuli; operant pairs behavior with consequences. Classical is passive stimulus association; operant is active behavior shaping.
What is the conditioned response (CR) in classical conditioning?

A learned response elicited by the conditioned stimulus. Acquired through association, not innate like the UR.
Identify the phenomenon: nausea occurs after food poisoning, leading to avoidance of that food.

Conditioned taste aversion. One-trial learning with long CS-US delays, biologically prepared.
Identify the learning principle shown when a tone paired with food later makes a dog salivate to the tone.

Classical conditioning (tone becomes CS; salivation becomes CR). Pavlov's paradigm: neutral stimulus gains response power.
Which option best describes backward conditioning: CS timing relative to US?

CS occurs after the US. Ineffective because CS cannot predict what already happened.
In Pavlovian terms, food causes salivation; after tone-food pairings, tone causes salivation. What is the tone?

Conditioned stimulus (CS). Initially neutral, it gains response-eliciting power through pairing.
Identify the phenomenon: a tone predicts shock; a light added later fails to become a CS.

Blocking. Prior learning prevents new associations from forming.
What is the Rescorla–Wagner model primarily used to explain in conditioning?

Learning depends on prediction error (surprise) of the US. Mathematical model showing learning occurs when outcomes differ from expectations.
Which term describes the initial learning of the CS–US association?

Acquisition. Phase where CS-US pairing strengthens until CR reliably occurs.
Identify the concept: a CS signals that a US will not occur, reducing a CR.

Conditioned inhibition. CS becomes safety signal, actively suppressing fear or other responses.
Identify the concept: A neutral tone repeatedly precedes food until the tone alone elicits salivation.

Acquisition (tone becomes CS; salivation to tone is CR). Illustrates the initial phase where repeated CS-US pairings establish the conditioned response.
Identify the correct term: Prior exposure to a neutral stimulus slows later conditioning to it.

Latent inhibition. Familiarity without consequence makes later conditioning harder.
What is classical conditioning?

Learning by associating two stimuli so one predicts the other. Forms predictive associations between environmental stimuli.
Identify the process in which a neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus.

Acquisition. Through repeated CS-US pairings, association forms.
What is the conditioned stimulus (CS) in classical conditioning?

A previously neutral stimulus that elicits a response after being paired with the US. Gains response-triggering power through association with US.
What is a conditioned stimulus (CS) in classical conditioning?

A previously neutral stimulus that gains predictive value after pairing. Through repeated pairings with US, it predicts US occurrence.
What is the Rescorla–Wagner model's core claim about learning strength?

Learning depends on surprise: the discrepancy between expected and actual US. Greater surprise (prediction error) drives stronger learning.
What is classical conditioning?

Learning by associating two stimuli so one predicts the other. Forms associations between neutral and meaningful stimuli through repeated pairing.
Identify the learning type: behavior changes due to association between a behavior and its consequence.

Operant conditioning. Differs from classical by focusing on voluntary behaviors and their outcomes.
What is higher-order (second-order) conditioning?

A CS becomes associated with a new neutral stimulus, forming a new CS. Extends conditioning by pairing a new neutral stimulus with an established CS, creating chains of associations.
Identify the phenomenon: nausea is readily conditioned to a taste but not to a light or sound.

Biological preparedness (taste aversion; Garcia effect). Evolution primed certain stimulus-response pairings.
Identify the timing: CS ends before US begins; which conditioning procedure is this?

Trace conditioning. Gap between CS offset and US onset requires memory.
What is the conditioned stimulus (CS) in classical conditioning?

A previously neutral stimulus that elicits a response after learning. Through pairing with the US, it gains the power to trigger responses.
What is acquisition in classical conditioning?

Initial learning phase when CS is paired with US to produce CR. Involves repeated pairings of CS and US to establish the association leading to the CR.
What is acquisition in classical conditioning?

Initial learning phase when CS becomes associated with US. Repeated pairings strengthen the association between stimuli.
Which option best describes the Little Albert finding in classical conditioning?

Fear can be classically conditioned to a neutral stimulus. Watson showed emotional responses follow conditioning principles.
What is the Rescorla-Wagner model's central claim about learning in conditioning?

Learning depends on prediction error (surprise) of the US. Greater surprise (unexpected US) produces stronger learning.
What is spontaneous recovery after extinction?

Reappearance of the extinguished CR after a rest period. Shows extinction suppresses but doesn't erase learning.
What is discrimination in classical conditioning?

Ability to distinguish CS from similar stimuli and respond only to the CS. Learning to respond selectively prevents over-generalization.
Which option best defines contingency in classical conditioning?

How reliably the CS predicts the US. Statistical relationship determines learning strength.
What is the Rescorla-Wagner model's core idea about learning in classical conditioning?

Learning depends on prediction error (unexpectedness of the US). Associative strength updates based on the difference between predicted and actual US occurrence.
Identify the concept: After extinction, the CR returns when the CS is presented the next day.

Spontaneous recovery. After a break, the CR reemerges, showing that the association was inhibited but not eliminated.
What is stimulus contiguity in classical conditioning?

Closeness in time and space between CS and US presentations. Temporal and spatial proximity enhances association formation.
Which option best defines contingency in classical conditioning?

The degree to which the CS predicts the US. Higher contingency means CS reliably signals US occurrence.
What is an unconditioned stimulus (US) in classical conditioning?

A stimulus that naturally elicits a reflexive response. Triggers automatic responses without prior learning.
Identify the phenomenon: a familiar CS is harder to condition than a novel CS.

Latent inhibition. Pre-exposure reduces attention to the stimulus.
What is the conditioned stimulus (CS) in classical conditioning?

A previously neutral stimulus that elicits a response after pairing with US. Through repeated pairing with the US, it acquires the ability to elicit a conditioned response.
Identify the phenomenon: After extinction, the CS again elicits the CR following a break with no trials.

Spontaneous recovery. Extinguished response returns after time delay.
Identify the correct term: repeated CS–US pairings that produce a CR.

Acquisition. The initial learning phase when association forms.
What is the conditioned stimulus (CS) in classical conditioning?

A previously neutral stimulus that elicits a learned response. Through pairing with the US, it gains the ability to trigger responses.
What is a conditioned response (CR) in classical conditioning?

A learned response elicited by the conditioned stimulus. Results from associative learning between CS and US.
What is acquisition in classical conditioning?

Initial learning of the CS-US association that produces a CR. The phase where repeated CS-US pairings establish the association.
What is acquisition in classical conditioning?

Initial learning of the CS–US association. The phase where repeated pairings establish the connection.
Identify the phenomenon: Learning is stronger when the CS reliably predicts the US versus being merely contiguous.

Contingency. Predictive value matters more than mere co-occurrence.
What is stimulus generalization in classical conditioning?

CR occurs to stimuli similar to the original CS. Allows adaptive responses to stimuli that resemble the original CS due to perceptual similarity.
What is contingency in classical conditioning?

Predictive relationship: likelihood that CS signals impending US. Refers to the reliable predictive link where the presence of the CS increases the probability of the US occurring.
What is higher-order (second-order) conditioning?

A CS becomes associated with a new stimulus to create another CS. The first CS acts as a US for the new stimulus.
What is an unconditioned stimulus (US) in classical conditioning?

A stimulus that naturally and automatically elicits a response. No learning required; triggers automatic reflexive responses like food causing salivation.
Identify the concept: learning occurs by observing others and the consequences they receive.

Observational learning (vicarious conditioning). We learn from others' experiences without direct reinforcement.
Identify the correct labels: bell paired with food leads to salivation to bell; what are CS, US, CR, UR?

CS=bell; US=food; UR=salivation to food; CR=salivation to bell. Bell becomes CS through pairing; salivation transfers from UR to CR.
Choose the term: A dog salivates to food before any training. What is salivation to food called?

Unconditioned response (UR). Natural reflex to food requires no conditioning.
What is latent inhibition in classical conditioning?

Preexposure to a CS slows later conditioning to that CS. Familiarity with a stimulus reduces its associability.
What is the conditioned emotional response (CER) in classical conditioning?

Learned emotional reaction (often fear) to a conditioned stimulus. Involves pairing a CS with an aversive US to elicit emotional responses like fear or anxiety.
Identify the process: After CS-only presentations, the CR decreases across trials.

Extinction. Repeated CS presentations without the US lead to a gradual weakening of the conditioned association.
What is an unconditioned stimulus (US) in classical conditioning?

A stimulus that naturally elicits a reflexive response without learning. Like food causing salivation or loud noise causing startle.
What is classical conditioning?

Learning by associating two stimuli so a neutral stimulus elicits a response. Pairs neutral and unconditioned stimuli to create new learned responses.
Identify the most effective timing for acquisition in classical conditioning.

Delayed conditioning (CS starts before US and overlaps it). Overlap allows strongest predictive relationship.
What is the Rescorla-Wagner model's core prediction about when learning occurs?

Learning occurs when the US is surprising (prediction error is nonzero). Expected outcomes don't drive learning; surprises do.
Identify the response: After conditioning, a tone alone triggers salivation. What is the salivation to tone called?

Conditioned response (CR). Learned response triggered by previously neutral tone.
What is the Rescorla-Wagner model's core idea about what determines conditioning strength?

Learning depends on prediction error (surprise) about the US. Greater surprise (prediction error) leads to stronger learning.
What is a conditioned stimulus (CS) in classical conditioning?

A previously neutral stimulus that elicits a response after pairing with a US. Through repeated pairing, it gains the power to trigger responses.
What is overshadowing in classical conditioning?

More salient stimulus is conditioned more strongly than a less salient one. When compound stimuli are paired with a US, the more prominent one dominates the association.
What is the definition of an unconditioned stimulus (US) in classical conditioning?

Stimulus that naturally and automatically elicits a response. No learning required - the response is innate and reflexive.
What is the best definition of contingency in classical conditioning?

How reliably the CS predicts the US. Statistical relationship matters more than just pairing.
What is an unconditioned response (UR) in classical conditioning?

An unlearned reflexive response to the unconditioned stimulus. Occurs automatically without conditioning or training.
What is the typical effect of repeated CS-only trials after acquisition?

Extinction of the conditioned response. Without US reinforcement, the CS loses its power.
What is the Rescorla-Wagner model's core idea about conditioning strength?

Learning depends on prediction error (unexpectedness of the US). Surprising outcomes drive stronger learning than expected ones.
After extinction, a CR returns when the CS is presented again following time with no CS exposure. What is this called?

Spontaneous recovery. Time allows inhibition to weaken, revealing original learning.
Identify the correct term: a learned aversion after illness paired with a specific taste.

Conditioned taste aversion. One-trial learning with long CS-US delays, evolutionarily adaptive.
What is the conditioned response (CR) in classical conditioning?

A learned response elicited by the conditioned stimulus. Develops through associative learning when the CS is paired with the US, mimicking the UR.
Identify the phenomenon: Prior exposure to a CS alone makes later CS–US conditioning slower.

Latent inhibition. Familiarity with the CS reduces attention and slows learning.
What is a conditioned stimulus (CS) in classical conditioning?

A previously neutral stimulus that elicits a response after pairing with a US. Through repeated pairings with US, it gains power to trigger responses.
What is higher-order (second-order) conditioning?

A CS becomes associated with a new NS to produce a new CR. The original CS acts like a US for new learning.
What is higher-order (second-order) conditioning?

A new CS is conditioned by pairing it with an established CS. CS1 substitutes for US to condition CS2 without direct US pairing.
What is generalization in classical conditioning?

Eliciting the CR to stimuli similar to the original CS. Adaptive response allowing organisms to react to similar threatening stimuli.
What is the conditioned stimulus (CS) in classical conditioning?

A previously neutral stimulus that predicts the unconditioned stimulus. Gains predictive power through repeated pairing with the US.
What is higher-order (second-order) conditioning?

A new CS is conditioned by pairing it with an existing CS. The established CS acts like a US to condition new stimuli.
What is acquisition in classical conditioning?

Initial learning phase when CS is paired with US and CR emerges. Repeated pairings strengthen the CS-CR association.
Which option best defines contingency in classical conditioning?

The CS reliably predicts the US. CS must be a reliable predictor for effective conditioning.
What is extinction in classical conditioning?

Decrease of the CR when the CS is repeatedly presented without the US. The learned association weakens without reinforcement.
Identify the phenomenon: prior exposure to an NS slows later conditioning when it becomes a CS.

Latent inhibition. Familiarity without consequence reduces associative potential.
Which brain structure is most associated with conditioning of skeletal muscle reflexes (e.g., eyeblink)?

Cerebellum. Controls timing and motor learning in classical conditioning.
Which concept best explains why some CS–US pairings are learned more easily due to biology?

Preparedness (biological predisposition for certain associations). Evolution primes certain associations (e.g., snakes-fear) over others.
What is the key difference between acquisition and extinction?

Acquisition strengthens the CS–CR association; extinction weakens it. One builds association, other breaks it.
Identify the term: a CS presented before the US to produce the strongest conditioning.

Forward (delayed) conditioning. CS precedes and predicts US for optimal learning.
What is the unconditioned stimulus (US) in classical conditioning?

A stimulus that naturally elicits a reflexive response. Like food causing salivation or loud noise causing startle.
Identify the concept: A CS is followed by the absence of an expected US, reducing the CR.

Prediction error. Violating expectations weakens the learned association.
What is overshadowing in classical conditioning?

More salient CS acquires stronger conditioning than a less salient CS. Attention focuses on the more noticeable stimulus during pairing.
What is stimulus generalization in classical conditioning?

CR occurs to stimuli similar to the original CS. Adaptive for responding to similar potential threats.
Which option best describes the Garcia effect (taste aversion learning)?

Rapid conditioning of nausea to a taste, even with long CS–US delays. Evolutionary adaptation for avoiding poisonous foods.
What is latent inhibition in classical conditioning?

Preexposure to a CS slows later conditioning to that CS. Familiarity reduces stimulus salience, making it harder to form new associations.
Which term describes a decrease in CR when the CS is presented without the US?

Extinction. CR weakens when CS repeatedly appears without reinforcement by US.
Which option best defines higher-order (second-order) conditioning?

A CS is paired with a new NS to create a second CS without the US. The first CS substitutes for the US in new pairings.
What is an unconditioned stimulus (US) in classical conditioning?

A stimulus that naturally elicits a reflexive response. Like food causing salivation or loud noise causing startle.
Identify the learning process: an animal learns that its behavior produces a specific outcome.

Operant conditioning. Behavior changes based on consequences, not just associations.
In Pavlov's dogs, food causes salivation; a bell is paired with food and later causes salivation. What is the bell?

Conditioned stimulus (CS). It was neutral but gained meaning through pairing.
What is acquisition in classical conditioning?

The initial learning phase when the CS becomes associated with the US. Repeated pairings create the new association.
Which conditioning procedure occurs when the CS and US start at the same time?

Simultaneous conditioning. Least effective as CS doesn't predict US occurrence.
What is blocking in classical conditioning?

Prior CS–US learning prevents a new CS from being conditioned to the same US. First CS already predicts US, so second CS adds no information.
What is the definition of a conditioned stimulus (CS) in classical conditioning?

Previously neutral stimulus that elicits a learned response after pairing. Through repeated pairing, the neutral stimulus gains the power to trigger a response.
Identify the schedule: A bell (neutral) is paired with food (US) until the bell elicits salivation. What is the bell now?

Conditioned stimulus (CS). Bell gained predictive value through food pairings.
A CS is presented repeatedly without the US, and the CR weakens over trials. What process is occurring?

Extinction. CS no longer predicts US, so learned response fades.
Identify the term for the initial phase when a CS begins to elicit a CR.

Acquisition. Initial learning phase where association forms.
What is contingency in classical conditioning?

Degree to which the CS reliably predicts the occurrence of the US. Learning depends on CS being a good predictor of US.
What is the contingency principle in classical conditioning?

Learning depends on how reliably the CS predicts the US. Stronger associations form when CS consistently signals US.
Which option best defines "preparedness" in associative learning?

Biological predisposition to learn some associations more easily. Evolution shapes which associations form readily.
Identify the US and UR: a puff of air to the eye causes an eyeblink reflex.

US = air puff; UR = eyeblink. Air puff naturally triggers reflexive blinking without learning.
Identify the term for reduced conditioning when the CS is repeatedly presented alone before pairing with the US.

Latent inhibition. Pre-exposure retards subsequent CS-US learning.
Identify the phenomenon: prior CS–US learning prevents conditioning to a new stimulus added later.

Blocking. The first CS "blocks" learning about redundant predictors.
Which option best describes the role of the amygdala in fear conditioning?

Associates CS with aversive US and supports expression of conditioned fear. Central to fear learning and emotional conditioning.
Identify the schedule: CS begins before the US and ends before the US begins.

Trace conditioning. Gap between CS and US requires memory.
What is the blocking effect in classical conditioning?

Prior learning to CS1 prevents learning about a new CS2. CS1 already predicts US, so CS2 adds no new information.
What is stimulus substitution theory in classical conditioning?

The CS comes to elicit a response similar to the UR. CS becomes substitute for US, triggering similar preparatory responses.
Which option best defines contingency (CS–US relationship) in conditioning?

How reliably the CS predicts the US (correlation/predictiveness). Not just pairing but statistical relationship matters.
Which option best defines a neutral stimulus (NS) before conditioning?

A stimulus that does not elicit the target reflexive response. Before conditioning, it produces no relevant response.
What is acquisition in classical conditioning?

Initial learning phase when CS–US pairings produce a conditioned response. Repeated pairings strengthen the CS-CR association.
Which option best defines temporal contiguity in classical conditioning?

The CS and US occur close together in time. Timing matters; CS-US pairing must be temporally close.
Identify the schedule: CS and US occur at the same time during conditioning.

Simultaneous conditioning. Poor learning due to lack of predictive value.
Identify the phenomenon: a prior CS prevents learning about a new CS paired with the same US.

Blocking. Prior learning prevents new associations.
What is an unconditioned response (UR) in classical conditioning?

An automatic, unlearned response to an unconditioned stimulus. Innate reflex requiring no learning, like blinking to air puff.
What is higher-order (second-order) conditioning?

A CS becomes associated with a new NS to create an additional CS. Original CS pairs with new stimulus without US present.
What is the Rescorla-Wagner model's central idea about conditioning strength?

Learning depends on prediction error (surprise) about the US. Greater surprise leads to stronger conditioning.
What is the difference between delay conditioning and trace conditioning?

Delay: CS overlaps US; Trace: gap between CS end and US start. Both are forward conditioning; trace requires memory bridging the time gap.
What is the unconditioned stimulus (US) in classical conditioning?

A stimulus that naturally and automatically elicits a response. It innately triggers the unconditioned response without any prior learning or conditioning required.
What is a conditioned response (CR) in classical conditioning?

A learned response elicited by the conditioned stimulus. Same as UR but now triggered by CS instead of US.
Identify the phenomenon: repeated NS exposure before pairing slows later conditioning.

Latent inhibition. Familiarity reduces attention and learning potential.
Which option best defines the Garcia effect (taste aversion learning)?

Conditioned taste aversion can form after one pairing and long CS–US delay. Biological preparedness for food-illness associations.
Identify the phenomenon: Prior CS–US learning prevents a new CS from being learned about when both are paired with the US.

Blocking. The first CS already predicts the US, leaving nothing new to learn.
What is stimulus discrimination in classical conditioning?

Learning to respond only to the specific CS, not similar stimuli. Enables precise responses by distinguishing the exact CS from similar but non-conditioned stimuli.
What is the Garcia effect (taste aversion) in classical conditioning?

Conditioned taste aversion can form after one pairing with long delay. Evolutionary mechanism allowing rapid learning to avoid toxic foods, even with delayed US onset.
What is the best definition of contiguity in classical conditioning?

How close in time the CS and US occur. Temporal proximity enhances association formation.
What is the unconditioned response (UR) in classical conditioning?

An unlearned reflexive response to the unconditioned stimulus. Automatic, innate reaction requiring no prior learning.
What is higher-order (second-order) conditioning?

A neutral stimulus becomes a CS by pairing with an established CS. CS1 acts like a US to condition CS2, creating a chain.
Which option best defines a conditioned inhibitor (safety signal)?

A CS that predicts the absence of the US and reduces the CR. Signals safety by predicting when the US won't occur.
What is blocking in classical conditioning?

Prior CS–US learning prevents conditioning to a new stimulus paired with them. The established CS already predicts the US, rendering the new stimulus redundant for learning.
Identify the phenomenon: prior CS1–US learning prevents CS2 from being learned when paired together.

Blocking. CS1 fully predicts US, leaving no prediction error for CS2 to be learned.
What is the definition of classical conditioning?

Learning by associating two stimuli so one predicts the other. Forms the basis of Pavlovian conditioning through temporal pairing.
Identify the concept: learning that occurs without conscious awareness of associations.

Implicit learning. Occurs automatically without deliberate attention.
Identify the correct term: A neutral stimulus produces no reflexive response before learning.

Neutral stimulus (NS). Before conditioning, it elicits no specific response.
What is the Garcia effect (taste aversion) in classical conditioning?

Rapid conditioning of nausea to a taste, often after a single pairing. Evolution prepared us to quickly learn food-illness associations.
Identify the term for learning that the CS predicts the US (information value).

Contingency. CS must reliably predict US occurrence.
Which phenomenon occurs when two novel CSs are paired with a US and the more salient CS is learned better?

Overshadowing. Competition between CSs; stronger stimulus captures more associative strength.
Which term describes learning that the CS predicts the US, not mere pairing frequency?

Contingency. CS must reliably predict US, not just co-occur.
Which conditioning procedure occurs when the CS is presented before the US?

Delayed conditioning. CS onset precedes US onset, with overlap during presentation.
Which conditioning arrangement is most effective: CS occurs before US, after US, or at same time?

CS occurs before US (forward conditioning). CS must predict US occurrence for effective association formation.
Identify the phenomenon: prior CS exposure without US slows later conditioning.

Latent inhibition. Familiarity without consequence reduces associability.
What is spontaneous recovery in classical conditioning?

Reappearance of an extinguished CR after a rest period. Shows extinction doesn't erase learning, just suppresses it.
What is higher-order (second-order) conditioning?

A new CS is conditioned by pairing it with an established CS (no US needed). The original CS acts like a US for the new stimulus.
Identify the phenomenon: two cues trained together each become weaker predictors.

Overshadowing. Competition for associative strength between simultaneous cues.
What is an unconditioned response (UR) in classical conditioning?

An unlearned response naturally elicited by the unconditioned stimulus. Automatic reflex like salivation to food or blinking to air puff.
What is generalization in classical conditioning?

CR occurs to stimuli similar to the CS. Brain treats similar stimuli as equivalent to the original CS.
Which concept explains that some CS–US pairings are learned more easily due to evolutionary predispositions?

Biological preparedness. Evolution shaped which associations form most readily.
What is a neutral stimulus (NS) before conditioning occurs?

A stimulus that does not elicit the target response before learning. Like a bell that initially has no effect on salivation.

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