GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
CHAPTER 8 NOTES
Please make sure you review the following terms/ concepts from this chapter. This includes not
just knowing the definitions, but also that you feel confident with your knowledge of the terms/
concepts and your ability to apply them critically.
Association (also called associative learning) – A process by which two pieces of
information from the environment are repeatedly linked, so that we begin to connect them in
our minds.
Classical Conditioning – A form of associative learning in which a neutral stimulus
becomes associated with a stimulus to which one has an automatic, inborn response.
o (UCS) Unconditioned stimulus – The environmental input that always produces the
same unlearned, involuntary response.
o (UCR) Unconditioned response – The natural, automatic, inborn, and involuntary
reaction to a stimulus.
o Neutral stimulus – An object or situation that when presented alone does not lead to
an automatic (or unconditioned) response.
o (CS) Conditioned stimulus – A previously neutral input that an organism learns to
associate with the UCS.
o (CR) Conditioned response – A behavior that an organism learns to perform when
presented with the CS.
CHAPTER 8 NOTES
Please make sure you review the following terms/ concepts from this chapter. This includes not
just knowing the definitions, but also that you feel confident with your knowledge of the terms/
concepts and your ability to apply them critically.
Association (also called associative learning) – A process by which two pieces of
information from the environment are repeatedly linked, so that we begin to connect them in
our minds.
Classical Conditioning – A form of associative learning in which a neutral stimulus
becomes associated with a stimulus to which one has an automatic, inborn response.
o (UCS) Unconditioned stimulus – The environmental input that always produces the
same unlearned, involuntary response.
o (UCR) Unconditioned response – The natural, automatic, inborn, and involuntary
reaction to a stimulus.
o Neutral stimulus – An object or situation that when presented alone does not lead to
an automatic (or unconditioned) response.
o (CS) Conditioned stimulus – A previously neutral input that an organism learns to
associate with the UCS.
o (CR) Conditioned response – A behavior that an organism learns to perform when
presented with the CS.
