classical conditioning

Question 1

Classical Conditioning

Answer 1

learning Via association

A type of learning in which an existing involuntary reflex is
associated with a new stimulus.

Question 2

Whos research

Answer 2

Ivan Pavlov 1927

Question 3

How did Pavlov test his theory

Answer 3

He famously tested his
theory using dogs.

who were conditioned to associate the sound of a bell (neutral stimulus) with food (unconditioned
stimulus)

This resulted in the dogs producing a salivation
response (conditioned response) at the sound of a bell
(conditioned stimulus), even when no food was present

Question 4

What did Pavlov show

Answer 4

Pavlov demonstrated that repeated exposure to an event

leads to a learned and uncontrollable behaviour.

Question 5

Can be used to show?

Answer 5

This process
can be used to explain the acquisition of phobias and the
development of attachment.

Question 6

Outline Pavlov’s research into classical conditioning and describe how classical
conditioning might explain a child’s fear of school.
(8 marks)

exam q

content

Answer 6

Possible content:
• Detail of Pavlov’s classical conditioning experiments into salivation reflex in dogs

• Knowledge of Pavlovian concepts in the context of Pavlov’s experiments:
unconditioned stimulus; conditioned stimulus; unconditioned response; conditioned response

• Detail of Pavlovian theory – learning by association; temporal association/contiguity

Question 7

Outline Pavlov’s research into classical conditioning and describe how classical
conditioning might explain a child’s fear of school.
(8 marks)

application

Answer 7

Possible Application:
• School is initially a neutral stimulus

• A fear-arousing event (the unconditioned stimulus) occurs whilst the child is at
school eg being bullied in the playground

• Initially the child experiences fear which is an unconditioned response to the fear-arousing event (eg bullying)
• The fear-arousing event and school are paired together in time (are contiguous)
• Eventually the school becomes a conditioned stimulus which will elicit fear (now a conditioned response) even when the original fear-arousing event is not present