Definition
Fear-Condition Paradigm
The main idea is that memory is defined as an association between two stimuli. 1
Stimuli
Neutral (Conditional)
Example: a sound tone
Aversive (Unconditional)
Example: a tiny shock
Example
Fear-Conditioning a Rat
A rat is always running inside a box. As soon as it hears a tone (the neutral stimulus), a tiny shock (the aversive stimulus) follows, forcing the rat to freeze.
The goal is that the rat associates the tone with freezing, such that the tone alone, without the shock, is enough for freezing it.