Contingency Model of Conditioning

Definition

The Contingency Model of Conditioning posits that for learning to occur, there must be a reliable correlation or "contingency" between the conditioned and unconditioned stimuli. It's not enough for them just to be paired together; one must reliably predict the other.

Related terms

Operant Conditioning:

A type of learning where behavior is strengthened if followed by reinforcement or diminished if followed by punishment.

Reinforcement Schedule:

The pattern defining how often a desired response will be reinforced in operant conditioning.

Conditioned Emotional Response: Emotional response that results from classical conditioning, usually from the association of a relatively neutral stimulus with a painful or fear-inducing experience.