Conditioned Suppression

Conditioned suppression refers to a psychological phenomenon in which the occurrence of a conditioned stimulus (CS) leads to a decrease or suppression in an ongoing behavior or response. This conditioned suppression occurs as a result of the CS being paired with an aversive or unpleasant stimulus during the conditioning process.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

The conditioned stimulus (CS) in conditioned suppression refers to a previously neutral stimulus that, through repeated association with an aversive or unpleasant unconditioned stimulus (US), acquires the ability to elicit a response. In conditioned suppression experiments, the CS typically serves to suppress an ongoing behavior or response when presented.

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

The unconditioned stimulus (US) in conditioned suppression refers to a stimulus that innately and naturally elicits a particular response without prior learning or conditioning. The US usually evokes an aversive or unpleasant response, such as fear, pain, or discomfort.

Conditioning Process

The conditioning process in conditioned suppression involves pairing the conditioned stimulus (CS) with an aversive unconditioned stimulus (US). Through repeated pairings, the CS acquires the ability to elicit a response similar to the aversive or unpleasant response elicited by the US.

Suppression Ratio

The suppression ratio is a quantitative measure used to assess the extent of conditioned suppression. It is calculated by comparing the rate of the behavior or response in the presence of the CS to its rate in the absence of the CS. A higher suppression ratio indicates a stronger conditioned suppression effect, suggesting that the CS is more strongly associated with the aversive or unpleasant response.