What is a conditioned response?

A conditioned response is a learned reaction that occurs when a previously neutral stimulus is associated with an unconditioned stimulus, leading to a change in behavior. This concept is a key element of classical conditioning, a theory pioneered by Ivan Pavlov. In Pavlov's experiments, dogs learned to associate the sound of a bell (the neutral stimulus) with the presentation of food (the unconditioned stimulus), ultimately leading them to salivate at the bell sound alone.

The hallmark of a conditioned response is that it is not innate but developed through experience, highlighting the importance of learning in behavior. This makes it distinct from an automatic reaction or a reflex, which is typically an instinctual or biological response to stimuli without prior learning. Thus, the characterization of a conditioned response as a learned response to a previously neutral stimulus underscores its foundation in behavioral psychology and learning processes.