Unconditioned Stimulus
Synonyms
Definition
A stimulus that automatically elicits a response without prior learning (Chance 2009).
Introduction
The unconditioned stimulus (UCS) is a term described in the learning literature to describe a stimulus that automatically elicits a response (Chance 2009). The UCS is innate; no prior learning has to occur in order for the UCS to elicit a response. Unconditioned stimuli have “survival value” or are pertinent for survival (Domjan 2015) and examples can include smell, food, water, pain, temperature, and sexual stimulation. Conversely, the conditioned stimulus (CS) is a stimulus that elicits a response after it is associated with the UCS. Unlike the UCS, the CS requires prior learning in order to elicit a response, which becomes the conditioned response (CR; Krause and Corts 2014).
Standard Paradigm of the Unconditioned Stimulus
Ivan Pavlov, a famous nineteenth century physiologist, first described classical conditioning and the UCS when he began...
References
- Chance, P. (2009). Learning and behavior: Active learning edition (6th ed.). Belmont: Wadsworth.Google Scholar
- Domjan, M. P. (2015). The principles of learning and behavior (7th ed.). Stanford: Cengage Learning.Google Scholar
- Krause, M. A., & Corts, D. P. (2014). Psychological science: Modeling scientific literacy (2nd ed.). Boston: Pearson.Google Scholar
- Mazur, J. E. (2016). Learning and Behavior (7th ed.). New York: Routledge.Google Scholar