Unconditioned
(adjective)
- Not influenced by any conditions or circumstances; not determined by past experiences or stimuli.
- Not shaped, modified, or trained by any process of conditioning.
Origin:
Derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' + conditioned, which is derived from the verb 'condition' meaning to train, modify, or shape behavior or response.
Examples:
- An unconditioned response is a response that occurs naturally, without the influence of prior experience.
- A person's unconditioned reactions to stimuli, such as the startle response to a loud noise, are innate and not learned.
- Some animals, such as cats, are known for their unconditioned ability to clean themselves.
- The unconditioned love of a parent for a child is a powerful and innate bond.
- Many psychologists believe that some human behaviors and emotional responses are unconditioned and instinctual, rather than learned through experience.