classical conditioning

Question 1

Extinction

Answer 1

If the conditioned stimulus is continually presented without the unconditioned stimulus the the conditioned response gradually dies out or extinguishes.

Question 2

Spontaneous recovery

Answer 2

If a conditioned response is not reinforced, it becomes extinguished. but after a period of rest the response may reappear.

Question 3

Generalisation

Answer 3

extinction of the conditioned response from the original stimulus to similar stimuli.

Question 4

discrimination

Answer 4

the conditioned response is produced only by presentation of the original stimulus, it does not extend to similar stimuli.

Question 5

one trial learning

Answer 5

when conditioning occurs immediately, after one trial only.

Question 6

equation

Answer 6

UCS=UCR
UCS+CS=UCR
CS=CR

Question 7

Unconditioned stimulus UCS

Answer 7

stimulus that automatically produces a natural response

Question 8

Neutral stimulus NS

Answer 8

Initially provides no specific reaction.

Question 9

Unconditioned response UCR

Answer 9

Natural response to the UCS

Question 10

Conditioned stimulus CS

Answer 10

Event that produces a learned response.

Question 11

Conditioned response CR

Answer 11

Learned reflex behaviour that’s produced when exposed to conditioned stimulus.

Question 12

classical conditioning A01

Answer 12

The learning approach is concerned with stimulus response. Classical conditioning looks at how these reflexes come to be triggered by associations with new stimuli. This occurs when we learn that two things happen together, we associate then with each other.

Question 13

Classical conditioning A03

Answer 13

strength- lot of research in support of classical conditioning, including studies by pavlov and Watson and Rayner. Both studies successfully paired and unconditioned response with a neutral stimulus to produce a conditioned response, e.g pairing the conditioned stimulus of ringing a bell with the association of food to produce a conditioned response of salivation from dogs. Therefore suggesting that the pairing of two stimuli formed new associations and responses.

Strength- Moreover, a lot of this research is strictly tinning taking place, generascientific, being carried out on animals in lab conditions. because the theory only looks at behaviours rather than cognitions, every step in the conditioning process is observable. Therefore adding to the credibility of the theory, since you can see it with your own eyes.

Weakness- There are some objections. The theory focusses entirely on the nurture side of the nature/nurture debate. it is possible some people are born with predispositions towards behaviours, rather than learning them through conditioning.
also focuses entirely on behaviours, ignoring cognitions including things like personality, willpower and motivation. Freud agued that a lot of self destructive behaviour comes from hidden thought processes and the unconscious mind. Therefore making this theory reductionist in not considering research found by other theories regarding behaviour.

Question 14

Application (conc.)

Answer 14

Classical conditioning has always had huge applications for therapy, especially the treatment of irrational or instinctive problems like phobias and addictions.
aversion therapy works by associating a dysfunctional behaviour with an unconditioned response to produce a new conditioned stimulus. This sort of therapy works best when the patient is willing and wants the therapy to succeed. Many of Barlow’s gay men where in prison because their homosexuality was a crime, forced to undergo the treatment.