Classical conditioning is a learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, eventually eliciting a similar response. This form of learning was first described by Ivan Pavlov and involves the pairing of an unconditioned stimulus with a conditioned stimulus to create a conditioned response.

Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning

learning process

A neutral stimulus is an element in the environment that initially does not elicit any intrinsic response until it is associated with an unconditioned stimulus. Over time, through the process of conditioning, it can become a conditioned stimulus that triggers a learned response.

neutral stimulus

meaningful stimulus

A conditioned response is a learned reaction to a previously neutral stimulus that becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus through repeated pairings. This phenomenon is a fundamental aspect of classical conditioning, illustrating how behaviors can be modified by associative learning processes.

conditioned response

An unconditioned stimulus is a stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without prior conditioning. It plays a critical role in classical conditioning by serving as the natural trigger for the unconditioned response, which later becomes associated with a conditioned stimulus.

unconditioned stimulus

A conditioned stimulus is a previously neutral stimulus that, after being repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus, elicits a conditioned response. It is a fundamental component of classical conditioning, demonstrating how associations between stimuli can shape behavior.

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