Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Temporal contiguity refers to the idea that two stimuli or events need to occur close together in time for an association to be formed between them.
Related terms
Simultaneous Conditioning: This term refers to when the conditioned stimulus and unconditioned stimulus are presented at the same time, without any delay.
Trace Conditioning: In this type of conditioning, there is a short delay between the presentation of the conditioned stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus.
Backward Conditioning: Unlike temporal contiguity, backward conditioning involves presenting the unconditioned stimulus before the conditioned stimulus.