Lecture Notes: Pavlov and The Foundations of Behaviorism
Introduction to Ivan Pavlov
Pavlov was a pivotal figure in the history of psychology.
His work laid the groundwork for the behaviorist school, emphasizing observable behaviors over internal mental processes.
Psychology today encompasses both behavior and mental processes, but Pavlov's influence remains significant.
Early Life and Career
Born in 1849 in Russia.
Initially aspired to become a Russian Orthodox priest.
Earned a medical degree and focused on studying the digestive system.
Won Russia's first Nobel Prize for his digestive research.
Pavlov's Experiment with Dogs
Noticed dogs salivating at the smell of food, leading to his exploration of learning.
Defined learning as acquiring new, enduring information or behaviors through experience.
Animals, like humans, can learn through associative learning.
Experiment Process
Before Conditioning:
Unconditioned stimulus: food smell.
Unconditioned response: salivation.
Neutral stimulus (bell): no response.
During Conditioning:
Paired food smell with the bell sound until association was made (acquisition stage).
After Conditioning:
Neutral stimulus became a conditioned stimulus eliciting a conditioned response (salivation).
The Impact of Classical Conditioning
Demonstrated adaptive learning, helping animals survive by associating external stimuli with outcomes (e.g., bell means food).
Methodologically, classical conditioning showed how learning could be studied through observable behavior, aligning with behaviorism's rejection of "mentalistic concepts."
Key Figures in Behaviorism
BF Skinner: Emphasized operant conditioning, associating behavior with consequences.
Developed the "Skinner Box" for experiments.
John B Watson: Demonstrated fear conditioning with "Little Albert."
Explored the potential for conditioning to influence emotions and behaviors.
Operant Conditioning
Involves associating behavior with consequences (reinforcement or punishment).
Reinforcement:
Increases the behavior it follows.
Includes positive reinforcement (rewards) and negative reinforcement (removal of aversive stimuli).
Punishment:
Decreases the behavior it follows.
Reinforcement Schedules
Continuous Reinforcement: Behavior rewarded every time.
Intermittent Reinforcement: Behavior rewarded occasionally, leading to stronger, more persistent learning.
Conclusion
Criticism of behaviorism for ignoring cognitive processes.
Highlights the role of external influences in shaping behavior.
Upcoming discussions on cognition and observational learning.
Additional Information
Credits to Kathleen Yale, Blake de Pastino, and Dr. Ranjit Bhagwat for content creation.
Directed and edited by Nicholas Jenkins, with graphics by Thought Café.