classical conditioning

Question 1

learning by…

Answer 1

association

Question 2

classical conditioning takes place when two stimuli are repeatedly paired together; an unconditioned stimulus ( something that triggers a natural response) with a neutral stimulus ( something that would not normally trigger a response).
- we learn to associate the two stimuli and respond in a similar manner to both.
this takes place in 3 parts: before conditioning

Answer 2

• the UCS triggers a reflex repose such as salivation or anxiety. this is called the unconditioned response( UCR) an unrelated NS does not produce this response.

Question 3

during conditioning

Answer 3

• the UCS and NS are experienced together. this is called pairing. the effect of pairing is greatest when NS occurs just before the UCS. usually pairing has to take place many times for conditioning tom occur.

Question 4

after conditioning

Answer 4

• following pairing, the NS produces the same response as the UCS. the NS is now a conditioned stimulus and the response to it is called a conditioned response.

Question 5

evidence

Answer 5

:) pavlov demonstrated that stimuli can be paired together so that a new stimulus can produce a conditioned response.
:) Watson and Rayner showed how a phobia can be CC.
:) evidence carried out in controlled conditions and standardised procedures allowing replication.
:( problems generalising findings - pavlovs dogs and wr only looked at one child.
conclusion = now a variety of evidence from animals and humans to support.

Question 6

application

Answer 6

• has led to treatments of phobias eg SD which replaces the association of fear, with association of relaxation.
• supported by capons who found that using this led to a reduction in fear of flying.
  CA= theory may only be credible in its application if behaviour is learnt. if it’s not learnt and is evolved then treatment based on associations would be poor.

Question 7

S/W

Answer 7

:( research uses lab. this controlled environment is not a natural way to observe behaviour. the contrived and artificial nature of such experiments questions the ecological validity of the findings and the extent to which the theories can be applied to real life. we cannot be sure that we would learn via association in every day life.
:( reductionist
reducing behaviour to learning through association greatly underestimates the role of bio factors, including genetic differences. any mental processes are not considered which makes the theory oversimplified.
CA= isolating complex behaviour allowed for research into classical conditioning to be carried out such as little Albert and this has given scientific credibility to the theory.

Question 8

alternative

Answer 8

• bio/evolutionary theories suggest we are predisposed to fear things that presented a threat to us in the EEA. spiders, snakes etc
  cc may be reductionist - phobias of cars, guns, cream are rare.