6.2 Classical Conditioning

Learning Objectives

• Explain how classical conditioning occurs.
• Understand the processes of acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, and discrimination.

Introduction to Classical Conditioning

• Ivan Pavlov: Russian scientist known for classical conditioning.
  • Pavlov's work in physiology led to discoveries in psychology.
  • Conducted experiments with dogs, observing "psychic secretions."

Key Concepts in Classical Conditioning

• Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS): A stimulus that elicits a reflexive response.
• Unconditioned Response (UCR): A natural reaction to a given stimulus.
• Neutral Stimulus (NS): Does not naturally elicit a response.
• Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Previously neutral, elicits response after pairing with UCS.
• Conditioned Response (CR): Learned response to CS.

Pavlov's Experiment

• Meat powder (UCS) caused dogs to salivate (UCR).
• Bell sound (NS) paired with meat powder led to salivation (CR).

Real World Applications

• Chemotherapy and Nausea: Patients can develop nausea (CR) just from visiting the doctor's office (CS) due to association with treatment (UCS).
• Pets: A cat may associate the sound of a can opener (CS) with being fed, leading to excitement (CR).
• Stingray City: Stingrays associating boat engine sounds with food.

General Processes in Classical Conditioning

• Acquisition: Initial learning phase, connecting NS with UCS.
• Extinction: Gradual weakening of the CR when CS is presented without UCS.
• Spontaneous Recovery: Reappearance of CR after a rest period following extinction.
• Stimulus Discrimination: Learning to respond only to specific stimuli.
• Stimulus Generalization: Responding similarly to stimuli similar to the CS.

Behaviorism

• John B. Watson: Founder of behaviorism, emphasized observable behavior over internal processes.
• Little Albert Experiment:
  • Demonstrated conditioned emotional responses.
  • Showed stimulus generalization (fearing all furry things).

Everyday Connection

• Advertising: Uses associative learning to create desirable associations (e.g., attractive models with products).

Important Figures and Theories

• Rescorla-Wagner Model: Mathematical model predicting learning associations.
• Taste Aversion: Learning to avoid potentially harmful substances (evolutionary benefit).

Ethical Considerations

• Watson's experiments would be considered unethical today due to the nature of emotional conditioning in children.