UNCONDITIONED STIMULUS: what it is and examples

The 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 pre-conditioning 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 not known, 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.

Index

1. What is the unconditioned stimulus
2. Examples of unconditioned stimulus
3. Difference between unconditioned and conditioned 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 reactions, that is, reactions that are not driven by living beings.

Humans are biologically endowed 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 Ivan PavlovLet's see in more detail what the unconditioned stimulus is.

• The unconditioned stimulus is any stimulus that naturally evokes reflex behavior, without the need for prior conditioning, such as salivation after sight or the 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 does not make sense to 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 what is classical conditioning and its variables with examples.

The classical conditioning It occurs rapidly in young children and has a major impact on their behavior. An example of an unconditioned stimulus is first sight 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 has had previous experience with pediatricians and other medical personnel.

When the child is in pain, her 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 has occurred can be associated with this stimulus unconditioned.

Therefore, pain or unpleasant experiences related to medical treatments can be generically associated with the atmosphere of the doctor's office. So the whole atmosphere of the waiting room, reception or other waiting children, can generate crying and rejection reactions after many experiences in a doctor's office, even in the absence of gown vision White.

Other examples of unconditioned stimuli could be the following:

• A loud noise and sudden that usually elicits an unconditional response from scare.
• When you smell one of your favorite foods, you can feel very hungry immediately.
• A stomach virus would produce a response of sickness.
• A fragrance could create a response from happiness or wish.
• Touching a hot iron makes you remove your hand.
• Dropping a stone on your foot makes you scream in pain.
• Dust that gets into the nose makes you sneeze.

A stimulus is anything internal or external that makes our nervous system respond, causing a reaction in an organ, even a cell. Consequently, the stimuli elicit behavioral responses in man or animal.

The conditioned stimulus is learnedIn contrast, 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, whereas 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 hereditary.
• 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, can be unstable or temporary.

This article is merely informative, in 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.

If you want to read more articles similar to Unconditional stimulus: what it is and examples, we recommend that you enter our category of Basic psychology.

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• Christoforou, C. (2017). Unconditioned Stimulus. Recovered from: https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-3-319-16999-6_1041-1
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• Parenting For Brain (2021). Unconditioned Stimulus in Classical Conditioning - Psychology. Recovered from: https://www.parentingforbrain.com/unconditioned-stimulus/