Evalution on Pavlov & Classical Conditioning

What are the strengths to Pavlov’s contribution?

Strengths to Pavlov’s contribution=

• real- world applications e.g. therapy in phobias

• use of scientific methods

Why is “real-world applications'“ a strength to Pavlov’s contribution?

Real-world applications a strength to Pavlov’s contribution=

• evident in therapies, for e.g. in treatment of phobias

• if therapy was effective then underpinning idea must be valid due to CC

Why is “use of scientific methods” a strength to Pavlov’s contribution?

Use of scientific methods a strength to Pavlov’s contribution=

• for e.g. lab experiments: meant it uses controlled conditions using standardised, replicable procedures

What are the weaknesses of Pavlov’s contribution?

Weaknesses to Pavlov’s contribution=

• only appropriate for some forms of learning 

• lots of variation in how readily/ prepared associations are learnt by the ppt

Why is “only appropriate for some forms of learning” and “lots of variation in how readily/prepared associations are learnt by the ppt” weaknesses?

“only appropriate for some forms of learning” and “lots of variation in how readily/prepared associations are learnt by the ppt” weaknesses=

• e.g., behaviour which resists conditioning

• limited explanation when behaviourism assumes that the ppts would be controlled