Higher-order Conditioning

Definition

Higher-order conditioning (also known as second-order conditioning) involves establishing a conditioned response using a conditioned stimulus instead of an unconditioned stimulus.

Analogy

Imagine higher-order conditioning as creating links in a chain. The first link connects an unconditioned stimulus (like food) with something neutral (like bell sound). Then another neutral thing (like light flash) gets linked with already connected pair forming another link without involving original unconditioned stimulus anymore.

Related terms

Conditioned Response (CR): A learned response to previously neutral but now conditioned stimulus. Like salivating at bell sound because it has been associated with food before.

Unconditioned Response (UR): An automatic natural response to a stimulus. Like salivating at the sight or smell of food.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS): A previously neutral stimulus that, after becoming associated with the unconditioned stimulus, eventually triggers a conditioned response. Like bell sound triggering salivation because it has been linked with food.