In other words, the response takes place without any prior learning.
Examples of Unconditioned Stimuli
Unconditioned stimuli are all around us.
Think about:
In each of these examples, the unconditioned stimulus naturally triggers an unconditioned response or reflex.
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You don’t have to learn to respond to the unconditioned stimulus; it occurs automatically.
Salivation occurred automatically and without the dogs' conscious effort when they smelled the food.
This response required no learning.
The food was an unconditioned stimulus because it prompted a reflexive response.
The research showed that emotional reactions could be classically conditioned in people.
He showed no fear of them at first.
The rat, once a neutral stimulus, had become a conditioned stimulus.
A good example of a neutral stimulus is a sound or a song.
When it is initially presented, the neutral stimulus has no effect on behavior.
For example, the assistants in Pavlov’s experiment initially elicited no salivation and therefore were neutral stimuli.
Likewise, the sound of a squeaky door opening is initially a neutral stimulus.
Unconditioned Stimulus vs.
Conditioned Stimulus
An unconditioned stimulus causes a response without any prior learning on the part of the subject.
The response is automatic and occurs without thought.
The presence of the assistants, initially a neutral stimulus, became a conditioned stimulus.
Presenting the tone close to presenting the smell of food resulted in a stronger association.
Different types of conditioning may use different timing or order between the neutral stimulus and the UCS.
