example of classical conditioning
acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery
For you to understand these processes, you need to find your own example. Although it may take more time and effort, you will understand the concepts better. Isn't that what learning is all about?
Maybe this will help.
Classical conditioning is characterized by several factors.
I. The key relationship is associating antecedent events.
II. It originates with reflexive behavior. The behavior is "built in."
III. Classical conditioning is essentially a process of stimulus substitution. The response essentially remains the same.
IV. The response is elicited, since the behavior is reflexive.
Classical conditioning is a type of learning where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, resulting in a learned response. Here's an example to help explain each stage:
1. Acquisition: This is the initial stage where the association between the neutral stimulus and the meaningful stimulus is formed. Let's say a researcher wants to condition a dog to salivate at the sound of a bell. Initially, the sound of the bell is a neutral stimulus that does not elicit any response. However, if the bell is repeatedly presented just before giving the dog some food, the dog will eventually start associating the sound of the bell with the arrival of food. After some repetitions, the dog will begin to salivate at the sound of the bell alone, even without the food being present.
2. Extinction: Extinction occurs when the conditioned response decreases or disappears due to the repeated presentation of the neutral stimulus without the meaningful stimulus. In our example, if the researcher continues to ring the bell but stops providing food, the dog will eventually stop salivating at the sound of the bell. This happens because the association between the bell and food is weakened and no longer reinforced.
3. Spontaneous Recovery: Spontaneous recovery refers to the reappearance of the conditioned response after a period of time has passed without any further conditioning. It occurs even after the response has been extinguished. In our example, even if the conditioned response (salivation) has disappeared during extinction, the dog might suddenly start salivating at the sound of the bell again after some time has passed without any further training. However, the strength and duration of the spontaneous recovery is generally weaker than the initial acquisition phase.
It's important to note that classical conditioning is not limited to dogs and bells; it can also be applied to various other examples of learning and behavior.