Pavlovian Conditioning

Pavlovian (classical) conditioning is a learning process discovered by Ivan Pavlov where a neutral stimulus (e.g., a bell) is repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus (e.g., food) that naturally triggers a response (e.g., salivation). Eventually, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus, eliciting the response on its own.

Key components:

• Unconditioned Stimulus (US): A stimulus that automatically triggers a response (food).
• Unconditioned Response (UR): The natural, involuntary response to the US (salivation).
• Neutral Stimulus (NS): A stimulus that does not initially produce a response (e.g., a bell).
• Conditioned Stimulus (CS): The previously neutral stimulus that, after association with the US, triggers a response.
• Conditioned Response (CR): The learned response to the conditioned stimulus (salivation to the bell).