Conditioned Stimulus

Definition

A conditioned stimulus (CS) is a previously neutral stimulus that, after being paired with an unconditioned stimulus (US), comes to elicit a conditioned response (CR). This process is fundamental in classical conditioning, where the CS gains significance through its association with the US, enabling it to trigger a response that it did not originally provoke.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Pavlov's experiments, the sound of a bell became a conditioned stimulus after being paired multiple times with the presentation of food.
2. The strength of the conditioned response can be influenced by factors such as the timing and frequency of the pairing between the conditioned and unconditioned stimuli.
3. If the conditioned stimulus is presented repeatedly without the unconditioned stimulus, extinction can occur, leading to a decrease or disappearance of the conditioned response.
4. Conditioned stimuli can produce responses even when they are presented alone, demonstrating the learning that has taken place.
5. Generalization can occur where other stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus may also evoke a similar conditioned response.

Review Questions

• How does a neutral stimulus become a conditioned stimulus in classical conditioning?
  • A neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus through repeated pairings with an unconditioned stimulus that naturally elicits a response. For example, in Pavlov's experiments, the sound of a bell was initially neutral but became a conditioned stimulus after being paired with food multiple times. This association allowed the bell to eventually trigger salivation in dogs, which was initially an unconditioned response to food.
• What role does timing play in establishing a conditioned stimulus in classical conditioning?
  • Timing is crucial in establishing a conditioned stimulus because the effectiveness of the pairing between the conditioned and unconditioned stimuli can greatly impact learning. For optimal conditioning, the CS should precede the US closely in time; this way, the learner can make the association between them. If there is too much delay or if they are presented together inconsistently, it may weaken or prevent the establishment of the conditioned response.
• Evaluate the impact of extinction on a previously established conditioned stimulus and discuss its significance in understanding behavior.
  • Extinction occurs when a conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus, leading to a gradual decrease in the conditioned response. This process is significant because it illustrates how learned behaviors can be unlearned or modified over time, highlighting the dynamic nature of conditioning. Understanding extinction helps psychologists develop strategies for behavior modification, showing that behaviors are not fixed but can adapt based on experiences and changes in environmental conditions.

Related terms

Unconditioned Stimulus:

An unconditioned stimulus (US) is any stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without prior learning.

Conditioned Response:

A conditioned response (CR) is the learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that has become associated with an unconditioned stimulus.

Acquisition:

Acquisition is the initial stage of learning when a response is first established and gradually strengthened through repeated pairings of the conditioned and unconditioned stimuli.