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Illustration of how the conditioned response works

What Is a Conditioned Response? Definition and Examples

A conditioned response is the result of classical conditioning. It happens after a neutral stimulus has been paired with an unconditioned stimulus.  The Conditioned Response in Classical Conditioning In classical conditioning, the condition response is a learned reaction to a previously neutral stimulus. Here’s how it works: Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) This is a stimulus that …

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Touching a hot pan

What Is the Unconditioned Stimulus?

In classical conditioning, the unconditioned stimulus automatically leads to a response. It triggers a response unconditionally without any prior learning.  An unexpected loud noise is one example. You react naturally and automatically when this unconditional stimulus occurs by flinching in surprise. That unlearned response is known as the unconditioned response. The Unconditioned Stimulus in Classical …

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What Is the Premack Principle?

The Premack Principle is a psychological concept suggesting that high-probability behavior can help reinforce low-probability behavior. In simpler terms, it involves using an enjoyable activity that someone prefers to encourage them to engage in a less enjoyable activity.  For example, a teacher might tell students that they have to finish their assignment first, and then …

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A child being scolded as a punishment

What Is Punishment in Psychology?

In psychology, punishment refers to presenting an aversive stimulus or removing a positive stimulus in response to a behavior to reduce the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. Punishment is a concept within operant conditioning, a behaviorist theory developed by B.F. Skinner. The effectiveness of punishment in modifying behavior can vary, and its use is …

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What Is Extinction in Psychology?

Extinction in psychology refers to weakening or eliminating a learned behavior by removing the reinforcement or consequence that previously followed that behavior. Simply put, extinction involves the reduction or cessation of a behavior when it is no longer reinforced. Extinction happens when a response that has been previously conditioned is no longer reinforced. In the …

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Classical conditioning.

Classical Conditioning: How It Works and Why It’s Used

Classical conditioning is a learning process in which a neutral stimulus is paired with another stimulus that nautically produces a response. After repeated pairing, the previously neutral stimulus begins to evoke the response all on its own. Classical conditioning is a type of associative learning that takes place unconsciously. It works by associating one stimulus …

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Behaviorism is often used in educational and therapy settings.

What Is Behaviorism?

Behaviorism is a theory of human psychology that suggests that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning. According to this approach to psychology, it is our interactions with our environments that shape what we learn, who we are, and how we act. Behaviorists believe that people are shaped by their interactions with their environment. They emphasize …

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Training with classical vs operant conditioning

Difference Between Classical and Operant Conditioning

Both classical conditioning and operant are central to behaviorism, but students often get confused about the differences between the two. Classical and operant conditioning are both types of learning that involve learning by association. However, there are important differences between the two. The main difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning is that classical conditioning …

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Stimulus generalization with the sound of a bell

What Is Stimulus Generalization?

Stimulus generalization occurs when an organism responds to a stimulus in the same way that it responds to a similar stimulus. This occurs during the classical conditioning process. For example, imagine a dog being conditioned to run to its owner when it hears a whistle. The dog responds similarly when it hears a small child …

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Shaping behavior

What Is Shaping In Psychology?

Shaping is a conditioning technique that involves working toward a target behavior by breaking it down into gradual, successive steps and rewarding each step on the path toward the desired outcome. Psychologist B. F. Skinner introduced the concept as part of his operant conditioning theory. Shaping is a term used in behavioral psychology to establish …

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