Classical Conditioning

Question 1

Classical Conditioning

Answer 1

When a Neutral Stimulus is paired with an Unconditioned Stimulus until it becomes a Conditioned Stimulus

Question 2

Extinction

Answer 2

When a Conditioned Stimulus returns to being a Neutral Stimulus after losing its association with the Unconditioned Stimulus over time

Question 3

Spontaneous Recovery

Answer 3

When a Conditioned Response reappears even after extinction, as the connection is never truly lost

Question 4

Classical Conditioning Eval.

Answer 4

Strengths
Pavlov’s study

Used in aversion therapy

Weaknesses
Pavlov believed that contiguity was the factor linking NS to UCS (2 stimuli occurring close together in time). Rescorla (1968) found that contingency was more important, the extent to which the NS predicts the UCS

Only explains how a limited range of behaviours can be acquired e.g. salivation, arousal. Could explain how we come to fear dogs, but not the maintenance of this fear over time, or the measures we take to avoid encountering dogs. Thus only partial explanation of learning behaviour