Conditioned stimulus

/kənˈdɪʃ.ənd ˈstɪm.jʊ.ləs/ noun

Definition

A previously neutral stimulus that, through repeated pairing with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response.

Etymology

From Latin 'condicio' (agreement) + 'stimulus' (goad). A stimulus made effective through conditioning.

Kelly Says

A conditioned stimulus starts as nothing special — but pair it with something meaningful enough times, and it becomes a trigger all on its own. That's Pavlov's bell!

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