Second Order Conditioning:

Second Order Conditioning refers to a type of learning process in which a conditioned stimulus (CS2) becomes associated with a previously conditioned stimulus (CS1) through a series of pairings. During second-order conditioning, the CS2 gains the ability to elicit a conditioned response (CR) even without the presence of the original unconditioned stimulus (US).

Key Points:

• Learning process involving the association of a second conditioned stimulus (CS2) with a previously conditioned stimulus (CS1).
• CS2 gains the ability to elicit a conditioned response (CR) without the presence of the unconditioned stimulus (US).
• Occurs after repeated pairings of CS2 with CS1, where CS1 has already been associated with the US.

Example:

Let’s consider an example where a dog (US) has been conditioned to salivate (UR) at the sound of a bell (CS1). After repeated pairings of a light (CS2) with the bell (CS1), the light (CS2) alone can trigger salivation (CR) in the dog, even in the absence of the original food (US).