1Cademy - Graphical Representation of Classical Conditioning Processes

Phase A: The bell is repeatedly paired with the presentation of food. The response strength increases rapidly.
Phase B: The bell is presented repeatedly without any food. The response strength decreases steadily.
Rest Period: No training occurs for a day.
Phase C: The bell is presented again, and the graph shows a brief, moderate increase in response strength, which then diminishes.

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Key Processes in Classical Conditioning

Concept

Graphical Representation of Classical Conditioning Processes

The dynamic relationship between acquisition, extinction, and spontaneous recovery in classical conditioning can be visualized on a graph plotting the strength of the conditioned response (CR) against time. The graph shows distinct phases:

Acquisition: During this phase, the conditioned stimulus (CS) is paired with the unconditioned stimulus (UCS). This results in a steep, upward-curving line, indicating a rapid increase in the strength of the CR.
Extinction: When the CS is presented alone, the strength of the CR decreases sharply, shown as a downward-curving line that approaches zero.
Spontaneous Recovery: After a rest period or pause, the CR can reappear when the CS is presented again. This is shown as a sudden jump in the CR's strength, although typically not to the peak level seen during acquisition. The response will then undergo extinction again if the UCS is not reintroduced.