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Classical conditioning uses many terms to explain the acquisition of behaviour - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 11 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 11
Classical conditioning uses many terms to explain the acquisition of behaviour. Define the terms ‘unconditioned response (UCR)’ and ‘extinction’.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Classical conditioning uses many terms to explain the acquisition of behaviour - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 11 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Define the term ‘unconditioned response (UCR)’
Answer
The unconditioned response (UCR) is a natural and automatic reaction to an unconditioned stimulus. In classical conditioning, it occurs without prior learning or conditioning. For example, when a dog salivates in response to food, the salivation is the UCR, as it is a reflexive response that does not require any learning.
Step 2
Define the term ‘extinction’
Answer
Extinction in classical conditioning refers to the process by which a conditioned response decreases or disappears when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus. For instance, if a dog is conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell, but the bell is rung without food being presented multiple times, the dog will eventually stop salivating in response to the bell. This gradual weakening of the conditioned response constitutes extinction.