What is the difference between the UCS and the CS in Classical Conditioning?
First of all, the UCS or unconditioned stimulus always produces a reflex response or UCR (e.g., cold -> shiver; puff of air -> eye blink). The CS, conditioned stimulus) is previously neutral until it is paired with the UCS. This pairing results in the CS signaling that the UCS is coming. The CS then produces a CR (conditioned response) similar to the UCS, but not as strong. For example, a “click” prior to a camera’s flash will produce an eye blink. The bright light (UCS) will always produce and eye blink (UCR) The “click” prior to the light going off becomes a (CS) and it produces an eye blink as well (CR) but it is not as strong as that produced by the actual light/UCS.
