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4: Respondent Conditioning

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    370946

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    Chapter Overview

    We begin our coverage of models of learning by discussing respondent conditioning, based on the work of Ivan Pavlov. In this form of learning an association is formed between two events — the presentation of a neutral stimulus (NS) and the presentation of an unconditioned stimulus (US). As you will see, though the response to the US appears similar to the response to the NS, they are not identical and in some cases the response is much different or even opposite. We will talk about more complicated forms of conditioning such as higher order conditioning and how conditioning can be appetitive or aversive, or excitatory or inhibitory. Four variations of the normal respondent conditioning paradigm will be described, centered on when in time the US and NS occur. These include delay, trace, simultaneous, and backward conditioning. We will then discuss properties governing respondent conditioning to include extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, and discrimination. Sensory preconditioning, latent inhibition, overshadowing, blocking, and occasion setting will be discussed and the effect they have on how easily conditioning occurs. Finally, we will discuss five theories of conditioning.

    Chapter Learning Objectives
    • Describe how respondent conditioning occurs in humans and animals.
    • Outline and explain properties related to respondent conditioning.
    • Describe theories related to respondent conditioning.

    • 4.1: The Nuts and Bolts of Respondent Conditioning
      This page covers the principles of respondent (classical) conditioning, initially discovered by Pavlov through his work with dogs. It defines essential terms like unconditioned stimulus and response, and conditioned stimulus and response while outlining the conditioning process in three phases. It also explores different forms of conditioning, such as appetitive and aversive stimuli, as well as various conditioning processes affected by timing.
    • 4.2: Properties Governing Respondent Conditioning
      This page discusses classical conditioning concepts such as extinction, spontaneous recovery, and the distinctions between stimulus generalization and discrimination. It details how extinguishing a conditioned stimulus reduces the conditioned response and how spontaneous recovery can restore it.
    • 4.3: Theories of Conditioning
      This page covers five conditioning theories: stimulus substitution, preparatory-response, compensatory response, the Rescorla-Wagner model, and Mackintosh’s attentional model. It explains that stimulus substitution posits a CS can replace a US, while preparatory-response theory suggests CRs prepare for the US. The compensatory response model indicates CRs may oppose URs.
    • 4.4: Chapter Recap
      This page offers an in-depth look at respondent conditioning and its connections to operant conditioning and observational learning, highlighting their complementary roles in understanding learning models. It encourages engagement with the material and invites clarification from instructors when needed.

    This page titled 4: Respondent Conditioning is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lee W. Daffin Jr. via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.