classical conditioning + pavlov

Question 1

Describe learning theories (3)

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Pavlov’s experiment

Answer 2

Step 1: US (food) -> UR (salivation)
Step 2: NS (bell) -> US (food) -> UR (salivation)
Later… CS (bell) -> CR (salivation)

Question 3

What is meant by Tabula Rosa

Answer 3

Blank slate

Question 4

Strengths of using animals

Answer 4

Easy to handle, strict controls high validity, easy to repeat and carry out again, good ppt cannot guess the aim

Question 5

Limitations of using animals in research

Answer 5

Brain differences, rights of animals, individual differences between animals themselves, lab experiments in artificial environments always lack ecological validity

Question 6

Aim of Pavlov’s study

Answer 6

To find out if a reflexive behaviour salivation could be produced in new situations through learning

Question 7

Sample of Pavlov’s study

Answer 7

35 dogs of a variety of breeds raised in kennels in the lab

Question 8

Procedure in Pavlov’s study

Answer 8

• 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

Question 9

Results of Psvlov

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Conclusions

Answer 10

Environmental stimuli that had no connection to relflex action could through repeated pairings trigger a salivation response

Question 11

Define stimulus

Answer 11

External factor/event which is interpreted through the sense and bring out a response

Question 12

Define unconditioned stimulus

Answer 12

Stimulus elicts an UR eg food for dogs

Question 13

Define conditioned stimulus

Answer 13

Previously neutral stimulus after repeated association with US elicits response produced by US

Question 14

Define unconditioned response

Answer 14

Behaviour which occurs naturally due to a given stimulus

Question 15

Define conditioned response

Answer 15

Automatic response by training to an ordinary neutral stimulus

Question 16

Define neutral stimulus

Answer 16

Initially produces no specific response other than focusing attention

Question 17

Define classical conditioning

Answer 17

Learning involves the associating of 2 stimuli to produce a new response

Question 18

Describe the main principles of classical conditioning

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Define extinction

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Define spontaneous recovery

Answer 20

After extinction association recurs for no reason. Condiitioned stimulus eg bell suddenly produced a response

Question 21

Stimulus generalisation

Answer 21

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

Question 22

PEEC evidence - Classical conditoning

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

PEE Alternate theory- classical conditioning

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

PEECE Methodology- Classical conditioning

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

PEE Applications- classical conditioning

Answer 25

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