29, March 2015
Classical Conditioning
Classical conditioning has three basic phases. The first part of this process requires a naturally occurring stimulus that will automatically elicit a response. Salivating in response to the smell of food is a good example of a naturally occurring stimulus. The smell of pizza always makes me salivate, because it is my favorite thing to eat. It always brings me to a happy place in my childhood.
During this phase of the processes, the unconditioned stimulus (USC) results in an unconditioned response (UCR). At this point there is also a neutral stimulus that produces no effect - yet. It isn't until this neutral stimulus is paired with the UCS that it will come to evoke a response. (Nevid p. 180)
the unconditioned stimulus is one that unconditionally, naturally, and automatically triggers a response. For example, when you smell one of your favorite foods, you immediately feel very hungry, the smell of the food is the unconditioned stimulus.
The unconditioned response is the unlearned response that occurs naturally in response to the unconditioned stimulus. The example would be; the feeling of hunger in response to the smell of food is the unconditioned response.
During the second phase of the classical conditioning process, the previously neutral stimulus is repeatedly paired with the unconditioned stimulus. As a result of this pairing, an association between the previously neutral stimulus and the UCS is formed. At this point the neutral stimulus become known as the conditioned stimulus. ( Nevid p.180)
In phase three the association has been made between the UCS and the CS, presenting the conditioned stimulus alone will come to evoke a response even in the absence of the unconditioned stimulus. The resulting response is known as the conditioned response (CR) (Ivan Pavlov).
Classical Conditioning with a fear response. Many people fear the “Pit Bull” for the reputation that they carry. I was one of them. I...