Definition

1. Noun:
   • An acquired response that is under the control of (conditional on the occurrence of) a stimulus: An "acquired reflex" is a learned, automatic reaction to a specific stimulus. Unlike innate reflexes, it is developed through experience or conditioning.

Usage

• The term "acquired reflex" is used primarily in psychology, physiology, and behavioral science to describe a conditioned response.
• It is a technical term. In everyday language, people might use "conditioned reflex" or "learned response."

Examples

• Noun:
  • Salivating at the sound of a bell, as in Pavlov's famous experiment, is a classic example of an acquired reflex.
  • The fear reaction some people have to the sight of a needle is an acquired reflex developed from past experiences.

Advanced Usage

• "Conditioned reflex": This is a more common synonym in scientific literature.
  • The psychologist studied the formation of a conditioned reflex to a neutral tone.

Variants and Related Words

• Conditioned response (n): A more frequently used synonym for acquired reflex.
• Learned reflex (n): Another synonym emphasizing the aspect of learning.
• Unconditioned reflex (n): The opposite term, referring to an innate, automatic response not based on prior learning (e.g., jerking your hand away from a hot surface).

Synonyms

• Conditioned reflex
• Conditioned response
• Learned response

Related Phrases

• To condition a reflex: The process of establishing an acquired reflex.
  • Researchers worked to condition a reflex in the laboratory animals.

Noun

1. an acquired response that is under the control of (conditional on the occurrence of) a stimulus