Classical Conditioning

Learning through association. Classical conditioning assumes that learning is passive and is bared on reflex behaviours. 

Key Terms

• Unconditioned stimulus - A stimulus that produces a natural, unlearnt response (eg a bright light or loud noises).
• Neutral stimulus - Something which is not associated with the unconditioned response, this can be any environmental stimulus that does not naturally produce a behavioural response (eg a bell).
• Unconditioned respose - Any response that occurs naturally without learning (eg salivating for food).
• Conditioned stimulus - A new stimulus that has been associated with an unconditioned stimulus, causing the same response.
• Conditioned response - Behaviour caused as a result of the conditioned stimulus.

Stage 1: Before Conditioning

The unconditioned…