Conditioned Stimulus

Definition

A conditioned stimulus (CS) is a previously neutral stimulus that, after being paired with an unconditioned stimulus (US), acquires the ability to evoke a conditioned response (CR). This concept is central to understanding how learning occurs through classical conditioning, where associations are formed between stimuli. The CS plays a critical role in shaping behavior by signaling the occurrence of the US, leading to learned responses that can be triggered by the CS alone.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The conditioned stimulus must be presented shortly before or simultaneously with the unconditioned stimulus for effective conditioning to occur.
2. After sufficient pairings, the conditioned stimulus can elicit a response even when the unconditioned stimulus is not present.
3. The strength of the conditioned response can diminish over time if the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus, a phenomenon known as extinction.
4. Different organisms may have varying degrees of responsiveness to a conditioned stimulus, depending on factors like individual differences and prior experiences.
5. Conditioned stimuli can be generalized; that is, stimuli similar to the original conditioned stimulus can also evoke similar responses.

Review Questions

• How does the process of pairing a conditioned stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus lead to learning?
  • When a conditioned stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus, the brain starts to form an association between the two. Over repeated presentations, this relationship strengthens, making it so that the conditioned stimulus alone can trigger a response similar to what would occur with the unconditioned stimulus. This learning process illustrates how organisms adapt their behaviors based on experiences, showcasing classical conditioning in action.
• What role does extinction play in relation to a conditioned stimulus and its associated conditioned response?
  • Extinction occurs when a conditioned stimulus is presented repeatedly without being followed by the unconditioned stimulus, leading to a decrease in the strength or frequency of the conditioned response. This process shows that learned behaviors can be unlearned over time. As the connection weakens, the organism learns that the conditioned stimulus no longer predicts the unconditioned stimulus, which alters their behavior accordingly.
• Evaluate how generalization of a conditioned stimulus can impact behavior in real-world situations.
  • Generalization of a conditioned stimulus means that similar stimuli can also elicit responses similar to those triggered by the original CS. In real-world situations, this can lead to both adaptive and maladaptive behaviors. For example, if someone associates a bell sound (the CS) with food (the US), they may start salivating at any bell-like sound. This generalization can help in learning but may also result in phobias or anxiety if negative experiences are associated with various stimuli.

Related terms

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

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

Acquisition: Acquisition refers to the initial stage of learning when an association between the conditioned stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus is formed.