Understanding Classical Conditioning and Learning Theories

Learning

acquiring new information or behaviors through experience

Associative Learning

learning that certain events happen together

Classical Conditioning

associating two stimuli (automatic response)

Operant Conditioning

associating a response with a consequence

Cognitive Learning

learning by observing others and through mental information that guides behavior

Ivan Pavlov

Russian scientist; won first Russian Nobel Prize in 1904; studied dogs' digestive systems; discovered associative learning through salivary conditioning

John B. Watson

Influenced by Pavlov; believed psychology should predict and control behavior; proposed Behaviorism: psychology as an objective science that studies behavior without reference to mental processes

Behaviorism

psychology as an objective science that studies behavior without reference to mental processes

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

initially does not trigger any response

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

triggers a natural response without prior learning

Unconditioned Response (UR)

natural response to the unconditioned stimulus (e.g., salivation to food)

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

previously neutral stimulus that, after association with the US, triggers a response

Conditioned Response (CR)

learned response to the conditioned stimulus

Acquisition

linking NS with US to start triggering the CR

Higher-Order Conditioning

adding a new NS that becomes associated with the CS, creating a second (weaker) CS

Extinction

CS no longer followed by US, and CR diminishes

Spontaneous Recovery

reappearance of a weakened CR after a pause

Generalization

tendency to respond to stimuli similar to the CS

Discrimination

ability to distinguish between CS and other similar stimuli

Little Albert Experiment

demonstrated that fear could be conditioned; NS: Rat, US: Loud noise from steel bar, UR: Fear

Applications of Classical Conditioning

Helps treat psychological disorders; can reduce cravings in addicts by avoiding triggering stimuli; pairing certain tastes with drugs to trigger immune responses

Example of Generalization (Pavlov)

Dog conditioned to salivate when its thigh is stimulated; salivates to vibrations closer to thigh; response weakens as distance increases