Classical conditioning

Supporting evidence

AO1

An (UCS) unconditioned stimulus is something that naturally triggers a response without prior learning or conditioning.

AO3

Supporting evidence comes from the studies of Pavlov’s dogs and Little Albert. However, in Pavlov’s study only uses dogs and not humans, so perhaps not the same brain structure or complex thoughts as humans so results are not generalisable. His study was also unethical by modern standards.

Conflicting evidence

AO1

An (UCR) unconditioned response is an automatic reflex triggered by an unconditioned stimulus (basic biological instinct).

AO3

Conflicting evidence is the fact that novel behaviours and complex behaviours are not explained. Very good for simple associations, but can’t help us understand things we have never experiences, or much more complex responses.

Opposing theories

AO1
A (NS) neutral stimulus is a stimulus that initially does not elicit any learned response.

AO3
Opposing theories includes Operant conditioning (which is not learning by association, but learning by reward/consequences) and Social learning theory (which is learning through observation). Mere existence of such strong alternatives undermines the validity of this model

Usefulness

AO1

A (CS) conditioned stimulus is a stimulus that was previously neutral.

AO3
Usefulness to society is that it can provide treatments (aversion therapy/exposure therapy) for people with phobias or addiction.

Testability

AO1

(CR) Conditioned response is a learned response to a previously neutral stimulus.

AO3

This theory is testable, which is seen through the studies that have been done