In Ivan Pavlov's famous experiment, for example, the tone of the buzzer was initially a neutral stimulus, while the smell of food was the unconditioned stimulus. Presenting the tone close to presenting the smell of food resulted in a stronger association.
The unexpected loud noise is the unconditioned stimulus because it automatically triggers a response with no prior learning. In each of these examples, the unconditioned stimulus naturally triggers an unconditioned response or reflex.
In other words, for conditioning to take place, you must first start by pairing a previously neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus.
A neutral stimulus doesn't trigger any particular response at first, but when used together with an unconditioned stimulus, it can effectively stimulate learning. A good example of a neutral stimulus is a sound or a song. When it is initially presented, the neutral stimulus has no effect on behavior.
In Ivan Pavlov's classic experiment with dogs, the smell of food was the unconditioned stimulus. The dogs in his experiment would smell the food and then naturally begin to salivate in response. This response requires no learning, and it simply happens automatically.
This type of conditioning leads to weak learning. In backward conditioning, the unconditioned stimulus is given first, and the neutral stimulus is presented afterward. This type of conditioning also tends to result in weak learning.
Pavlov I. Conditioned Reflexes: An Investigation of the Physiological Activity of the Cerebral Cortex. London: Oxford University Press; 1927.
In Ivan Pavlov's famous experiment, for example, the tone of the buzzer was initially a neutral stimulus, while the smell of food was the unconditioned stimulus. Presenting the tone close to presenting the smell of food resulted in a stronger association.
The unexpected loud noise is the unconditioned stimulus because it automatically triggers a response with no prior learning. In each of these examples, the unconditioned stimulus naturally triggers an unconditioned response or reflex.
Throughout the classical conditioning process, there are a number of different factors that can influence how quickly associations are learned. How much time that passes between presenting the initially neutral stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus is one of the most important factors in whether or not learning will actually occur.
In other words, for conditioning to take place, you must first start by pairing a previously neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus.
A neutral stimulus doesn't trigger any particular response at first, but when used together with an unconditioned stimulus, it can effectively stimulate learning. A good example of a neutral stimulus is a sound or a song. When it is initially presented, the neutral stimulus has no effect on behavior.
In Ivan Pavlov's classic experiment with dogs, the smell of food was the unconditioned stimulus. The dogs in his experiment would smell the food and then naturally begin to salivate in response. This response requires no learning, and it simply happens automatically.
In delayed conditioning, the neutral stimulus is presented and continues while the unconditioned stimulus is offered. This type of conditioning produces the best results.