Lesson 2 - Classical Conditioning

Question 1

Behaviourist Approach assumption

Answer 1

• Basic processes that govern learning are same in all species
• Animals could replace humans in research

Question 2

Describe process of Classical Conditioning

Answer 2

• UCS gives UCR
• NS gives nothing

• UCS associated with NS
-UCS gives UCR

• NS becomes CS
-CS gives CR

Question 3

Principles of Classical Conditioning

Answer 3

• Stimulus Generalisation
-CR can be produced with stimuli similar to CS

• Discrimination

• CR can NOT be produced with stimuli similar to CS
• if UCS not presented

• Extinction
-CR stops being produced if CS presented without UCS

• Timing
-conditioning doesn’t take place if interval between NS and UCS too long

• Spontaneous Recovery
-after extinction if CS and UCS paired together then link made is quicker

Question 4

Classical Conditioning Strengths

Answer 4

• Research Evidence

• Watson and Rayner Little Albert study, phobias in children
• Pavlov, dogs

Question 5

Classical Conditioning Weaknesses

Answer 5

• Research setting lacked mundane realism

• findings lack ecological validity
• laboratory setting

• Limited to young children and animals
-does not explain behaviours learned by adults