classical conditioning + pavlov Flashcards
Describe learning theories (3)
All behaviour occurs after birth. Therefore behaviour is explained by nurture.All 3 theories are based on scientific researh which used the experimental method to est cause and effect.This provides the theories with scientific cred therfore support psych as a science and have many practical applications eg develop therapies and enhance educational practises
Pavlov’s experiment
Step 1: US (food) -> UR (salivation)
Step 2: NS (bell) -> US (food) -> UR (salivation)
Later… CS (bell) -> CR (salivation)
What is meant by Tabula Rosa
Blank slate
Strengths of using animals
Easy to handle, strict controls high validity, easy to repeat and carry out again, good ppt cannot guess the aim
Limitations of using animals in research
Brain differences, rights of animals, individual differences between animals themselves, lab experiments in artificial environments always lack ecological validity
Aim of Pavlov’s study
To find out if a reflexive behaviour salivation could be produced in new situations through learning
Sample of Pavlov’s study
35 dogs of a variety of breeds raised in kennels in the lab
Procedure in Pavlov’s study
- the dogs were kept in an isolated room strapped to a harness
- NS = bell UCS = food -presented at the same time
- UCR = salivation collected via a tube in the dogs mouth
Results of Psvlov
Confirmed through measuring dogs saliva dogs learned to associate the sound (CS) with food (US) and begin to salivate when they heard sound. Secondary conditioning was possible and not all dogs were the same
Conclusions
Environmental stimuli that had no connection to relflex action could through repeated pairings trigger a salivation response
Define stimulus
External factor/event which is interpreted through the sense and bring out a response
Define unconditioned stimulus
Stimulus elicts an UR eg food for dogs
Define conditioned stimulus
Previously neutral stimulus after repeated association with US elicits response produced by US
Define unconditioned response
Behaviour which occurs naturally due to a given stimulus
Define conditioned response
Automatic response by training to an ordinary neutral stimulus
Define neutral stimulus
Initially produces no specific response other than focusing attention
Define classical conditioning
Learning involves the associating of 2 stimuli to produce a new response
Describe the main principles of classical conditioning
Founded by Pavlov. Suggests learning involves association of 2 stimuli. Before conditioning an UC causes and UR. During conditioning process NS paired with US eg bell paired with food results in dog salivating. Resulting bell becomes CS and causes salivation CR
Define extinction
Association completely disappears between conditoned stimulus and conditioned response eg when bell is no longer run when food is present after a while the dog did not salivate to the sound
Define spontaneous recovery
After extinction association recurs for no reason. Condiitioned stimulus eg bell suddenly produced a response
Stimulus generalisation
When condiotned stimulus to produce the same behaviour to a similar situation after response has been conditioned eg learnt to fear dogs generalise fear to toys of dogs
PEEC evidence - Classical conditoning
a strength of classical conditioning is that it is supported by the study of Watson and Rayner. they classically conditioned little Albert to develop a phobia of a white rat by introducing it at the same time as banging a metal bar. Albert associated the scary noise with the rat so began to cry at the sight of only the rat. The study also supports the idea of generalisation because similar stimuli such as a santa mask also produced the same conditioned response. therefore, this suggests that children can develop phobias through classical conditioning. however, the study lacks reliability. Albert was an unusual child who grew up in a hospital setting so whilst this also reduces the generalisability to other children, it also means it is unethical to easily replicate and check for consistency.
PEE Alternate theory- classical conditioning
an alternate theory to classical conditioning is operant conditioning. this is where learning takes place due to consequences and reinforcement or punishment. classical conditioning does not consider the effect of reward and punishment in the learning process which makes it an oversimplified explanation. therefore, operant conditioning might be a more detailed concept because it suggests that even if an association forms, the behaviour may only be learnt or continue if it is positively reinforced.
PEECE Methodology- Classical conditioning
A key strength to classical conditioning is the methodology that is used which makes it a scientifically credible theory to explain human learning. This is base it is based of empirical evidence carried out in controlled experiments. For example, in Pavlov’s study he used dogs which allowed him to have strict control of extraneous variables as they won’t try to find out the aim of the experiment and good ppts. However, although animals may be good ppts generalising the findings to human learning is not as straightforward. Furthermore, this method can also be reductionist due to the complex behaviour being broken down which leads to incomplete explanations of human behaviour.
PEE Applications- classical conditioning
A key strength is to the study is the practical applications. For example therapies such as systematic desensitisation by associating troubling CR with CS in a relaxing environment can help reduce phobias and Aversion therapy by associating a dysfunctional behaviour LIKE DRINKING with a UCR LIKE VOMMITING to produce a new CS to be nauseous when near alcohol
