Classical Conditioning: How It Works With Examples

Overview

• Definition: Classical conditioning, also known as Pavlovian conditioning, is a learning process where two stimuli are linked together to produce a new learned response.
• Discovery: Discovered by Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist.

Key Figures

• Ivan Pavlov: Conducted experiments demonstrating classical conditioning with dogs.
• John B. Watson: Proposed classical conditioning could explain all aspects of human psychology.

Principles of Classical Conditioning

• Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS): Naturally triggers a response (e.g., food causing salivation).
• Unconditioned Response (UCR): Natural reaction to UCS (e.g., salivation to food).
• Neutral Stimulus (NS): Does not initially produce a response.
• Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Formerly neutral stimulus that triggers a learned response after association with UCS (e.g., bell).
• Conditioned Response (CR): Learned response to the conditioned stimulus (e.g., salivation to bell).

Stages of Classical Conditioning

Stage 1: Before Conditioning

• UCS produces UCR naturally.
• NS does not trigger any response.

Stage 2: During Conditioning

• NS is paired with UCS repeatedly, establishing CS.
• CS predicts the UCS.

Stage 3: After Conditioning

• CS alone triggers CR similar to the UCR.

Examples of Classical Conditioning

Pavlov's Dogs

• Bell (NS) paired with food (UCS) led to salivation (UCR).
• Bell became CS; salivation to bell became CR.

Fear Response (Little Albert Experiment)

• White rat (NS) paired with loud noise (UCS) caused fear (UCR).
• Rat became CS, fear of the rat became CR.

Panic Disorder

• Panic attack (UCS) paired with neutral stimuli leads to anxiety and panic (CR).

Addiction

• Nicotine (UCS) with associated cues (CS) causes cravings (CR).

Classroom Learning

• Positive experiences with education foster positive associations with learning.

Principles Explained

• Acquisition: Process of developing a new learned response.
• Extinction: Gradual weakening of CR when CS is presented without UCS.
• Spontaneous Recovery: Return of CR after extinction.
• Generalization: Responding to stimuli similar to CS.
• Discrimination: Differentiating between similar stimuli.
• Higher-Order Conditioning: CS used to condition a new NS, creating a second CS.

Applications and Implications

Practical Applications

• Used in behavioral therapy and education.
• Systematic desensitization for phobia treatment.

Strengths

• Supported by experimental evidence.
• Explains involuntary behaviors like phobias, emotional reactions.

Weaknesses

• Ignores biological predispositions.
• Limited insight into cognitive processes.
• Ethical concerns about manipulation and free will.

Nature vs. Nurture

• Classical conditioning shows environmental influence.
• Evolutionary predispositions also play a role.

Classical vs. Operant Conditioning

• Classical: Involuntary responses, passive.
• Operant: Voluntary actions, active.

Learning Check

1. Identify elements of Pavlov’s experiment.
2. Example of classical conditioning with pizza and beer.
3. Extinction applied to fear of cars.
4. Anxiety from book slamming example.

References

• Various studies supporting the principles and applications of classical conditioning.