Classical conditioning

Question 1

Define “classical conditioning”. (2 points)

Answer 1

Learning a new behaviour through association

When two stimuli are repeatedly paired together, you learn to associate one stimulus with another

Question 2

Define “unconditioned stimulus (UCS)”.

Answer 2

Something that triggers a natural reaction

Question 3

Define “unconditioned response (UCR)”.

Answer 3

A response which is natural and does not need to be learnt

Question 4

Define “neutral stimulus (NS)”.

Answer 4

Something that does not normally trigger a reaction

Question 5

Define “conditioned stimulus (CS)”.

Answer 5

Something that triggers a learnt response

Question 6

Define “conditioned response (CR)”.

Answer 6

A response that has been learnt through association

Question 7

How does classical conditioning work? (3 steps)

Answer 7

1. An unconditioned stimulus (UCS) brings about a natural response (UCR)
2. A neutral stimulus (NS) which doesn’t bring about any response with the UCS is repeatedly paired with i t
3. The NS eventually becomes associated with the UCS so the NS becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) eliciting a conditioned response (CR)

Question 8

Define “stimulus generalisation” and give an example.

Answer 8

Subjects, once conditioned, responding to other similar stimuli

Example: Any tin opened makes a cat enter the kitchen

Question 9

Define “extinction”.

Answer 9

The CS losing its ability to produce a CR after a few presentations of it in the absence of the UCS

Question 10

Define “spontaneous recovery”.

Answer 10

The conditioned response suddenly reappearing following extinction

Question 11

Define “timing”.

Answer 11

When conditioning doesn’t take place due to the time interval being too great - the NS can’t be used to predict the UCS

Question 12

Define “discrimination”.

Answer 12

The subject, after a series of consistent pairings, being able to discriminate by focusing on specific stimuli

Question 13

What are the 4 supporting and 2 refuting arguments for classical conditioning support as an explanation of human behaviour?

Answer 13

Supporting:
Pavlov
Watson and Raynor
Applications
Psychology as a science

Refuting:
Issues of implementation
Reductionist

Question 14

How does Pavlov’s study support classical conditioning as an explanation of human behaviour? (3 points)

Answer 14

Pavlov formulated classical conditioning when investigating salivary reflexes in dogs

UCS = food
UCR -> CR = salivation
NS -> CS = bell

These findings can’t be generalised to humans who occupy unique cognitive functioning and mental processes

Question 15

How does Watson and Raynor’s study support classical conditioning as an explanation of human behaviour? (5 points)

Answer 15

Little Albert was healthy from birth and, at 9 months, had no fear towards a range of stimuli

Only stimulus that triggered a reaction was when a hammer would strike a steel bar (UCS) which caused fear (UCR)

After 7 trials over 2 weeks of pairing hammer hitting steel bar (UCS) with a white rat (NS), Little Albert showed a conditioned response of fear when presented with a white rat (CS) - successfully classically conditioned

Case study of one individual - Little Albert had the rare condition hydrocephalus, not representative of all humans

Study, and therefore conclusion that classical conditioning explains human behaviour, lacks generalisability

Question 16

How do applications of classical conditioning support it as an explanation of human behaviour? (5 points)

Answer 16

Classical conditioning assumptions have been used to create successful counter-conditioning treatments like flooding

1. The patient is immersed someone in their fear
2. Their body can’t maintain a high level of fear arousal due to energy constraints
3. Their panicked response will eventually subside and a new association of relaxation will form with fear

Suggests CC has predictive validity - assumptions of how classical conditioning causes phobias have been successful in removing phobias

Question 17

How does psychology as a science support classical conditioning as an explanation of human behaviour? (3 points)

Answer 17

It has brought the language and methods of natural sciences into psychology

Focuses on empirical and objective behaviour in controlled laboratory experiments which produce replicable results

E.g. Pavlov’s study
IV: the dog’s behaviour before and after the procedure
DV: the objective number of drops of saliva produced by the dog

Question 18

How do practical issues implementing research challenge classical conditioning as an explanation of human behaviour? (3 points)

Answer 18

Much of the research used to investigate it lacks generalisability

Humans’ neurological structures are much more complex than those of animals - their cerebral cortexes and prefrontal lobes are more developed

Any findings from experiments using animals (e.g. Skinner, Pavlov) may not be representative of humans

Question 19

How can classical conditioning being reductionist challenge it as an explanation of human behaviour? (3 points)

Answer 19

It sees all behaviour as deemed from past associations and experience

Ignores that human behaviour can be:
+ Inherited through genes
+ Due to other types of learning (nurture)

E.g. SLT:
More holistic - considers internal mental processes and choices such as attention and motivation