Classical conditioning is a learning process, it involves associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to produce a conditioned response.
An unconditioned stimulus (something that naturally triggers an automatic response) causes an unconditioned response. The neutral stimulus is associated with the unconditioned response and therefore the neutral stimulus (a stimulus which initially produces no specific response) becomes the conditioned (learnt) stimulus and causes the conditioned (learnt) response.
Apply classical conditioning in the following scenario...
Mila is 2 years old; at a recent birthday party a balloon popped loudly and caused her to cry. Mila now cries when she goes near balloons.
Unconditioned Stimulus - Pop
Unconditioned Response - Cry
Neutral Stimulus - Balloon
Conditioned Stimulus - Balloon
Conditioned Response - Cry
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Stimulus Generalisation - When a stimulus becomes generalised with other, related stimuli. E.g. Different bell sounds other than original bell also produced salivationdogs.
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Stimulus Discrimination: When a stimulus is not associated with the conditioned response as it is too different from the original stimulus. E.g. Dogs would not associate a whistle with salivation.
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Temporal (Time) Contiguity - The association only occurs if the UCS and NS are presented at around the same time as each other. If you wait too long to present the NS then no association would be made.
