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Related Concept Videos

Real-World Application of Classical Conditioning01:15

Real-World Application of Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning not only includes the initial pairing of stimuli but also extends to more complex forms, such as higher-order conditioning. Higher-order conditioning involves creating associations beyond the primary conditioned stimulus, resulting in a chain of conditioned responses.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Classical Short-Delay Eyeblink Conditioning in One-Year-Old Children
07:36

Classical Short-Delay Eyeblink Conditioning in One-Year-Old Children

Published on: September 1, 2018

Backward blocking in first-order conditioning.

Kouji Urushihara1, Ralph R Miller

  • 1Department of Psychology, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido.

Journal of Experimental Psychology. Animal Behavior Processes
|April 14, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Backward blocking in rat conditioning is challenging but achievable. This study shows it occurs in first-order conditioning when a target cue

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Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

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Published on: September 1, 2018

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07:02

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Published on: March 30, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Animal Learning Theory
  • Classical Conditioning

Background:

  • Backward blocking is typically difficult to achieve in standard first-order conditioning paradigms.
  • Previous research suggests limitations in observing backward blocking under conventional experimental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the conditions under which backward blocking can be observed in first-order conditioning.
  • To identify factors that facilitate or hinder backward blocking phenomena.

Main Methods:

  • Three lick suppression experiments were conducted with rats.
  • Methods included forward blocking, compound and elemental training with backward temporal relationships, and extinction procedures to manipulate cue control.

Main Results:

  • Backward blocking was observed in first-order conditioning when the target cue's behavioral control was weakened during elemental training of the blocking cue.
  • Weakened behavioral control of the target cue is a critical determinant for observing backward blocking.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest that prior failures to detect backward blocking are due to difficulties in indirectly reducing a cue's response-eliciting potential.
  • Weakening the target cue's control over behavior is essential for demonstrating backward blocking in this context.