Acquisition

Definition

Acquisition in classical conditioning refers to the process of learning a new association between two stimuli. It occurs when a neutral stimulus (one that doesn’t naturally elicit a response) is repeatedly paired with a meaningful stimulus (one that does elicit a response), leading to the neutral stimulus eventually triggering the same response on its own.

Example

You go to a restaurant several times a week to have lunch. The smell of the food (neutral stimulus) doesn't initially make you feel hungry, but after several times of associating that smell with the taste of the food (unconditioned stimulus), you begin to feel hungry just by smelling it (conditioned response). This is an example of acquisition in classical conditioning.

Why it Matters

Acquisition is fundamental because it explains how we learn and develop associations that influence our behaviors, preferences, and reactions. Understanding this process helps us recognize why certain cues trigger specific responses and can be applied to fields like education, marketing, and therapy to shape desired behaviors or address unwanted ones. It also highlights the power of repeated experiences in shaping our automatic reactions over time.

See Also

• Classical Conditioning