Lecture Notes on Ivan Pavlov and Classical Conditioning

Introduction

• Topic: Ivan Pavlov and Classical Conditioning
• Series: Approaches in Psychology
• Previous Topic: Wilhelm Wundt and Introspection
• Behaviorist Approach falls under Learning Theories
  • Another approach: Social Learning Theory
• Includes retrieval practice

Behaviorism Overview

• Key Figure: John B. Watson
  • Belief: "Men are built, not born."
  • Emphasis on environment shaping behavior
  • Psychology as an objective, experimental branch
• Behavior should be observable and measurable
• Animals and humans have comparable behaviors
• Concept of 'Tabula Rasa' or blank slate
  • Experiences shape who we are

Key Concepts of Behaviorism

• Behaviors learned from the environment
• Focus on stimulus and response
• Two types of learning:
  1. Classical Conditioning (Ivan Pavlov)
  2. Operant Conditioning (B.F. Skinner)

Ivan Pavlov and Classical Conditioning

• Russian scientist, Nobel Prize in 1904
• Initial Research: Digestive system of dogs
• Discovered dogs salivating to non-food stimuli (footsteps, lab coat)
• Focus of Study: Learning through association

Classical Conditioning Process

1. Neutral Stimulus (NS): Bell
2. Unconditioned Stimulus (US): Food
   • Natural response: Salivation
3. Conditioning Process:
   • Pairing NS (bell) with US (food) leads to salivation
4. Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Bell becomes a learned stimulus
   • Leads to salivation response without food

Key Terms

• Neutral Stimulus (NS): Does not initially trigger a response
• Unconditioned Stimulus (US): Naturally triggers a response
• Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Previously neutral, triggers learned response
• Conditioned Response (CR): Learned response to CS

Concepts Derived from Classical Conditioning

1. Generalization
   • Similar stimuli to CS can trigger the same response
   • Example: Different bell sounds leading to salivation
2. Discrimination
   • Differentiating between stimuli to not respond to a non-CS
   • Example: Distinguishing bell from a phone ring
3. Extinction
   • Gradual weakening of CR if CS is repeatedly presented without US
   • Example: Bell without food leads to disappearance of salivation
4. Spontaneous Recovery
   • Temporary return of an extinguished response
   • Example: Salivation returns after hearing bell post-extinction

Application and Practice

• Retrieval Practice included:
  • Questions on classical conditioning processes and terms
• Phobias and Conditioning
  • Extinction concept applied in phobia treatment
  • Potential for behavior unlearning

Conclusion

• Behaviorist approach emphasizes learned behaviors from the environment
• Look for associations in nature and behavior around you
• Further exploration available on treating phobias and other psychological approaches in linked resources

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For further study and video resources, check linked playlists and descriptions.