Learning, Training and Behaviour 101
- The presentation of a sound. This produced no reaction from the dogs. Pavlov
called this the ‘Unconditioned Stimulus’ (US). - The presentation of the same sound, followed 2 seconds later by food.
After a few pairings the sound alone resulted in the production of saliva. The sound
was presented for 30 seconds, allowing the experimenter to measure the production
of saliva in response to the sound without the presence of food. Pavlov called the
production of saliva caused by the sound alone the ‘Conditioned Response’ (CR). The
sound that then caused the production of saliva he called the ‘Conditioned Stimulus’
(CS) (Pavlov, 1927, cited in Lieberman, 1993).
Although the production of saliva is a purely physiological response, cognitive learn-
ing, i.e. learning that involves conscious thought, would also have occurred, in that
the dogs would have learned to expect food when they heard the sound.
Classical conditioning can apply not only to the anticipation of food, but also to
any reflexive or emotional response, including relaxation and fear, which in turn can
influence behavioural responses.
Practical feline examples
● The cat runs towards the kitchen when he hears a certain cupboard door opening.
Enjoyment (and production of saliva) from having a food treat = Unconditioned
Response.
The sound of a cupboard opening producing no response = Unconditioned
Stimulus.
The sound of the cupboard opening after the cat has associated the sound with
being given treats = Conditioned Stimulus.
Anticipation of enjoyment (and production of saliva) when hearing the cupboard
opening = Conditioned Response.
● The cat runs away when he sees the cat carrier.
Fear produced by travel, especially trips to the vet = Unconditioned Response.
The sight of the cat carrier producing no response = Unconditioned Stimulus.
The sight of the cat carrier after being taken to the vets a few times = Conditioned
Stimulus.
The cat feels frightened as soon as he sees the cat carrier = Conditioned Response.
● The cat jumps up on the owner’s lap as soon as the TV is turned on.
Relaxation and feeling good from being petted and being safe, warm and comfortable
= Unconditioned Response.
The TV being switched on producing no response = Unconditioned Stimulus.
The TV being switched on after becoming associated with the owner sitting
down, relaxing and petting the cat = Conditioned Stimulus.
Anticipation of relaxation and pleasurable interaction with the owner when the
TV is switched on = Conditioned Response.
Operant conditioning (or instrumental learning)
With classical conditioning, the cat learns to make associations between good or bad
feelings and stimuli or events that are out of his control. With operant conditioning
the outcome, good or bad, becomes associated with the cat’s own actions.