Classical conditioning theorized by Pavlov involves the formation of an association between two stimuli that results in a learned response. The first part of this process requires a natural stimulus that automatically elicits a response. Indeed, in the preconditioning phase, an unconditioned stimulus is accompanied by an unconditioned response.
In other words, this means that a stimulus in the environment has produced a behavior/response that is unknown, i.e. unconditional, and is therefore a natural response that has not been taught. The unconditioned stimulus is what unconditionally, naturally and automatically triggers a response. In this Psychology-Online article, we are going to delve into the concept of unconditioned stimulus: what it is and examples of it.
What is unconditioned stimulus
Living organisms are endowed with a series of responses to unconditioned stimuli to prepare them to adapt and survive. Unconditioned stimuli refer to all stimuli that naturally and automatically induce innate reactionsthat is, reactions that are not driven by living beings.
Humans are biologically equipped with them to be able to respond to unconditioned stimuli. Reactions induced by unconditioned stimuli are indicated as unconditioned responses, since they arise automatically and naturally.
Specifically, what causes an unconditioned stimulus? In classical conditioning, the unconditioned stimulus is therefore a stimulus that can trigger, naturally and automatically, a response without prior learning or practice. It is also called primary reinforcement. Using the example of the dog experiment from , let’s look in more detail at what the unconditioned stimulus is.
- The unconditioned stimulus is any stimulus that naturally evokes reflex behaviorwithout the need for prior conditioning, such as salivation after the sight or smell of food.
- An unconditioned response is that reflex behavior, such as salivation, evoked precisely by an unconditioned stimulus.
- The neutral stimulus is, on the other hand, a stimulus that has no meaning for the organism (timbre). However, when combined with an unconditioned stimulus, the neutral stimulus can become a conditioned stimulus.
To better understand these concepts, in this article, you will find more information.
Examples of unconditioned stimulus
It occurs rapidly in young children and has a major impact on their behavior. An example of an unconditioned stimulus is first view of a medical consultation or dental. At the time of the first visit, although at a young age, it is very likely that the child will have had previous experience with pediatricians and other medical personnel.
When the child feels pain, his reaction reflects crying and rejection. In Pavlovian terms, pain represents an unconditioned stimulus, but a number of elements present in the situation in which the pain occurred can be associated with this unconditioned stimulus.
Therefore, pain or unpleasant experiences related to medical treatments can be generically associated with the atmosphere of the medical consultation. So the entire atmosphere of the waiting room, the reception or other waiting children, can generate crying and rejection reactions after many experiences in a doctor’s office, even in the absence of the sight of the white coat.
Other examples of unconditioned stimuli could be the following:
- A intense noise and sudden, which usually provokes an unconditional response of scare.
- When you smell one of your favorite foodsyou may feel very hungry immediately.
- A stomach virus would produce a response nausea.
- A fragrance could create an answer happiness or desire.
- Touching a hot iron makes you remove your hand.
- Dropping a rock on your foot makes you scream in pain.
- Dust that enters the nose makes you sneeze.
Difference between unconditioned and conditioned stimulus
A stimulus is anything internal or external that causes our nervous system to respond, causing a reaction in an organ, even a cell. Consequently, the stimuli provoke behavioral responses in man or animal.
He conditioned stimulus is learnedOn the contrary, an unconditioned stimulus is any stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a specific response. The main difference between the conditioned stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus is that the conditioned stimulus produces a learned response to a previously neutral stimulus, while the unconditioned stimulus produces a response without prior learning.
In more detail, we also see what is derived from these two stimuli, that is, the differences between the conditioned reflex and the unconditioned reflex, which are the following:
- The conditioned reflex is.
- The unconditioned reflex is a consequence of personal experience.
- The conditioned reflex is individual, that is, it can be different between members of the same species.
- The conditioned reflex, if not continually reinforced by an unconditioned stimulus, may be unstable or temporary.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Cherry, K. (2019). What Is Classical Conditioning? A Step-by-Step Guide to How Classical Conditioning Really Works. Retrieved from: https://www.verywellmind.com/classical-conditioning-2794859
- Christoforou, C. (2017). Unconditioned Stimulus. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-3-319-16999-6_1041-1
- De Giuseppe, VF (et al.) (2012). Apprendimento: theory, variability and cognitive instruments. Lecce: Symbiosis.
- Parenting For Brain (2021). Unconditioned Stimulus in Classical Conditioning – Psychology. Retrieved from: https://www.parentingforbrain.com/unconditioned-stimulus/