What defines a conditioned response?

A conditioned response is defined as a learned reaction to a conditioned stimulus that occurs as a result of classical conditioning. In this learning process, an initially neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus, which naturally elicits an unconditioned response. Over time, the neutral stimulus transforms into a conditioned stimulus that triggers a conditioned response, even in the absence of the unconditioned stimulus.

For example, in Pavlov's experiments with dogs, the sound of a bell was initially a neutral stimulus. When paired repeatedly with the presentation of food (the unconditioned stimulus), the dogs learned to associate the bell with food. Eventually, the bell alone was able to elicit a salivation response, which is the conditioned response. This highlights the core principle of classical conditioning: learning through association.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of learning and behavior. A natural reaction to an unconditioned stimulus refers to the unconditioned response, while a stimulus that is neutral is relevant in the context of conditioning but does not define a response itself. A consequence that increases behavior pertains to operant conditioning rather than classical conditioning and does not relate to conditioned responses.