Neutral Stimulus
Definition
A neutral stimulus is something in our environment that doesn’t produce an automatic response until we learn to associate it with another stimulus.
Analogy
Imagine hearing the sound of a bell ringing. Initially, this sound doesn't mean anything special—it’s just noise. But if every time the bell rings, someone gives you chocolate (which makes you happy), eventually just hearing the bell ring will make you happy. The bell has become associated with chocolate—it’s no longer neutral!
Theoretical Perspectives
In behaviorism, a neutral stimulus is any stimulus that initially produces no specific response other than focusing attention. When used in classical conditioning, it becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.Study And Research Findings
Study and Research FindingsRelated terms
Acquisition (in psychology): The initial stage in classical conditioning where an association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus becomes established.
Generalization (in psychology): The tendency to respond in the same way to different but similar stimuli.
Discrimination (in psychology): The ability to perceive and respond differently to distinguishable stimuli.
"Neutral Stimulus" appears in:
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Practice Questions (2)
- In classical conditioning, what is known as the initial stage when an association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus takes place?
- Based on principles of classical conditioning, what is likely to happen if an individual frequently pairs drinking coffee (a neutral stimulus) with feeling alert (an unconditioned response)?
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