conditioned reflex

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Explanation of "Conditioned Reflex"

Definition:
A "conditioned reflex" is a learned response to a specific stimulus. This means that when a certain event happens, it triggers a reaction that has been learned through experience.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "conditioned reflex" when talking about behaviors that are learned rather than natural or instinctive. It is often used in psychology and biology.

Example:

1. Simple Example: If a dog hears a bell every time it gets food, it will eventually start to salivate just at the sound of the bell. This is a conditioned reflex because the dog learned to associate the bell with food.

2. More Complex Example: A person who has had a bad experience with a dog might develop a conditioned reflex of fear when they hear barking, even if the dog is friendly.

Advanced Usage:

In psychology, "conditioned reflex" is often discussed in the context of classical conditioning, a method of learning that was famously studied by Ivan Pavlov. He demonstrated how dogs could learn to associate a bell with food, leading to a reflexive response of salivation.

Word Variants:

• Conditioning (noun): The process of learning a conditioned reflex.
• Conditioned (adjective): Describing something that has been learned or modified by experience.

Different Meanings:

• In a broader sense, "conditioned" can refer to anything that has been influenced or affected by certain conditions, not just reflexes.

Synonyms:

• Learned response
• Acquired reflex
• Conditioned response

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "conditioned reflex" itself isn't used in idioms or phrasal verbs, the concept of conditioning can be related to phrases like: - "You can't teach an old dog new tricks.": This means that it's hard for someone who is set in their ways to learn new behaviors. - "In the heat of the moment.": This refers to reacting automatically without thinking, which can be similar to how a reflex works.

Conclusion:

Remember, a conditioned reflex is about learned reactions to certain situations.

Academic

Noun

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

Synonyms

• conditional reflex
• acquired reflex
• conditional reaction
• conditioned reaction
• conditional response
• conditioned response