Chapter 3 - Classical conditioning

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of classical conditioning concept in learning behavior. While classical conditioning is often thought of as a simpler form of learning than operant conditioning; in fact, the complexity of classical conditioning from a procedural viewpoint rivals that of operant conditioning. It is generally agreed that classical conditioning, along with operant conditioning, constitutes the majority, if not all, of the learned behaviors. In general, classical conditioning involves the pairing of two stimulus events, typically a neutral conditioned stimulus (CS), and an unconditioned stimulus (US). That an association between these two events is learned is reflected in the acquisition of a conditioned response (CR) to the CS. The CR is usually topographically similar in the form to the unconditioned response (UR) to the US, although this is not universally the case. However, for classical conditioning the CR in no way changes the CS–US stimulus arrangements. One area where classical conditioning has been used extensively is in the study of drug effects on learning or acquisition. Classical conditioning procedures hold a number of advantages over operant conditioning in the study of learning.