Conditioned Response

Definition

A conditioned response is a learned reaction to a specific stimulus that occurs after repeated associations between that stimulus and another event. It is a key concept in classical conditioning, where an initially neutral stimulus becomes linked with a naturally occurring (unconditioned) stimulus, eventually triggering the same response even without the original stimulus.

Example

Every time you shake a bag of treats before feeding your dog, the dog starts to drool. Initially, shaking the bag was just a neutral action, but after several repetitions, the dog learns to associate the sound of the bag with getting food. Over time, even if you don’t show or give the treat immediately, simply shaking the bag causes the dog to salivate. In this scenario, the conditioned response is the drooling, triggered by the conditioned stimulus (the sound of the bag).

Why it Matters

Conditioned responses are important because they help explain how behaviors and reactions can be learned through experience. Understanding this concept allows us to predict and influence behavior in various contexts, such as training animals, improving learning techniques, or modifying unwanted habits in humans. It also highlights the role of associations in shaping our actions and emotions, making it a fundamental idea in psychology and behavioral science.

See Also

• Classical Conditioning