- Define the following terms:
backward conditioning blocking classical conditioning compensatory response theory compound stimulus conditional reflex
conditional response (CR) conditional stimulus (CS) contiguity
preparatory response theory latent inhibition overshadowing Pavlovian conditioning pseudoconditioning Rescorla-Wagner model sensory preconditioning simultaneous conditioning spontaneous recovery contingency delay conditioning extinction higher-order conditioning interstimulus interval (ISI) intertrial interval
stimulus substitution theory test trial trace conditioning unconditional reflex unconditional response (UR) unconditional stimulus (US
Backward conditioning: US presented before CS; typically weak or inhibitory learning.
Blocking: Prior CS prevents learning about a new CS when both paired with US.
Classical conditioning: Learning via association between stimuli.
Compensatory response theory: CR opposes effects of US (often in drug tolerance).
Compound stimulus: Two or more stimuli presented together.
Conditional reflex: Learned reflex elicited by CS.
Conditional response (CR): Learned response to CS.
Conditional stimulus (CS): Previously neutral stimulus that predicts US.
Contiguity: Temporal closeness between CS and US.
Preparatory response theory: CR prepares organism for US.
Latent inhibition: Preexposure to CS slows later conditioning.
Overshadowing: More salient CS reduces learning about less salient CS in compound.
Pavlovian conditioning: Another term for classical conditioning.
Pseudoconditioning: Apparent conditioning due to sensitization, not association.
Rescorla-Wagner model: Learning depends on prediction error between expected and actual US.
Sensory preconditioning: CS–CS pairing before one is paired with US.
Simultaneous conditioning: CS and US presented at same time.
Spontaneous recovery: Reappearance of extinguished CR after rest.
Contingency: Predictive relationship between CS and US.
Delay conditioning: CS precedes US and overlaps with it.
Extinction: CR weakens when CS presented without US.
Higher-order conditioning: CS paired with another CS to produce CR.
Interstimulus interval (ISI): Time between CS onset and US onset.
Intertrial interval: Time between conditioning trials.
Stimulus substitution theory: CS substitutes for US to evoke similar response.
Test trial: CS presented without US to assess learning.
Trace conditioning: CS ends before US begins; gap remains.
Unconditional reflex: Unlearned reflexive response.
Unconditional response (UR): Unlearned response to US.
Unconditional stimulus (US): Stimulus that elicits UR without learning.
- What did Pavlov mean when he said that glands seemed to possess intelligence?
He meant glands appeared to ‘anticipate’ food by secreting based on learned environmental signals, not conscious thought.
- One of Pavlov’s most important discoveries was that salivation could be attributed to events occurring in the dog’s environment. Why is this important?
It showed behavior can be shaped by environmental stimuli and associations, founding behavioral psychology.
- Why is pseudoconditioning a problem for researchers?
It mimics real conditioning, making it difficult to determine whether learning is due to association or mere sensitization.
- Give an example of higher-order conditioning from your own experience.
Example: Liking a song because it was used in a favorite movie; the emotion transfers from movie to song.
- How is overshadowing different from blocking?
Overshadowing: Two new CSs presented together; stronger one dominates learning.
Blocking: A previously learned CS prevents learning about a new CS.
- Explain the differences among trace, delay, simultaneous, and backward conditioning procedures. Illustrate each procedure with an example not given in the text.
Trace: CS ends before US begins (bell stops, then food). Example: Warning light turns off before air puff.
Delay: CS starts before US and overlaps. Example: Tone continues until shock occurs.
Simultaneous: CS and US occur together. Example: Light appears exactly when air puff occurs.
Backward: US occurs before CS. Example: Shock delivered before tone.
- How would you determine the optimum intensity of a CS for eyelid conditioning?
Test varying CS intensities and measure CR strength and acquisition speed; optimal level produces fastest learning without causing reflexive blinking.
- Peggy Noonan, a political speechwriter, reported that soon after she had a baby she returned to the campaign trail. One day she saw something in a crowd and began lactating. What did she see?
A baby, which acted as a conditioned stimulus triggering a conditioned milk letdown response.
- How has the study of Pavlovian conditioning altered your view of human nature?
It shows many behaviors and emotional reactions are shaped automatically by learned associations rather than conscious choice.
