Classical Conditioning

Learning Theories

I. Definition of Learning

  • Learning: A relatively permanent change in behavior due to experience.

    • Emphasis on observable behavior, excluding cognition, thought processes, or ideas.

II. Major Types of Learning Theories Covered

A. Classical Conditioning

  • Also known as:

    • S-R theory

    • Associational learning

    • Pavlovian conditioning
      B. Operant Conditioning

  • Learning as a result of consequences.
    C. Observational Learning

  • Learning by observing the actions of others.

Classical Conditioning

I. Overview of Classical Conditioning

  • In classical conditioning, a previously neutral stimulus is paired with a stimulus that naturally elicits a response, making the neutral stimulus a conditioned stimulus for that response.

BASIC TERMS IN CLASSICAL CONDITIONING:

  • Stimulus: Any sight, sound, smell, taste, or sensation that can be perceived.

  • Response: Any action or feeling that a person can exhibit.

  • Conditioned: Indicates something that is learned.

  • Unconditioned: Refers to something unlearned and occurring naturally.

  • Neutral: A stimulus that elicits no particular response.

II. Historical Background

  • Origins: Principles discovered by Ivan Pavlov.

    • Conducted studies on the role of saliva in digestion using dogs.

    • Noted an unexpected response in dogs to footsteps of those bringing food.

    • His efforts to understand this response led to the identification of classical conditioning principles.

III. Conditioning Process Diagram

Before Conditioning

  • UCS (Unconditioned Stimulus) = MEAT

  • UCR (Unconditioned Response) = SALIVATION

  • Neutral Stimulus = BELL ⇒ NO RESPONSE

During Conditioning (Acquisition Phase)

  • Neutral Stimulus (BELL) + UCS (MEAT) ⇒ SALIVATION

After Conditioning

  • CS (BELL) ⇒ CR (Conditioned Response) = SALIVATION

IV. Key Questions Studied by Pavlov

  1. Does a classically conditioned response last forever?

    • No, the conditioned response can fade if the UCS (meat) is not paired with the CS (bell) over time; this phenomenon is called extinction.

  2. Can you condition a response by pairing a new neutral stimulus with a conditioned stimulus?

    • Yes, this process is known as higher-order conditioning.

    • Involves using a learned S-R association to pair a new stimulus with the CR.

Higher-Order Conditioning Example:

  • Food ⇒ Salivation

  • Electric Can Opener + CS ⇒ Salivation (Conditioned Response)

  • Squeaky Cabinet Door + UCS (Electric Can Opener)

V. Classical Conditioning and Human Behavior

  • John Watson: Known as the “Father of American Behaviorism.”

    • First to apply classical conditioning principles to humans.

A. The Case of Little Albert

  • Aim: Demonstrate that “neurotic” anxiety is learned and can be unlearned.

  • Goal: To create a fear response in a child (Little Albert) to a previously neutral stimulus (lab rat).

VI. Conditioning the Fear Response of Little Albert

1. Before Conditioning

  • Neutral Stimulus: Lab Rat - No reaction or a positive response.

  • UCS: Loud Noise ⇒ UCR: Crying/Fear (produced by hammer on metal pipe).

2. During Conditioning

  • Lab Rat (Neutral) + Noise (UCS) ⇒ Fear/Crying (UCR).

3. After Conditioning

  • CS: Lab Rat ⇒ CR: Fear/Crying.

VII. Other Findings in Classical Conditioning

  • Stimulus Generalization: Fear response (CR) generalizes to other stimuli that share characteristics with the CS (e.g. other furry animals, fur coats, beards).

  • Stimulus Discrimination: The ability to distinguish between similar stimuli based on specific aspects of the CS.

VIII. Unlearning the Fear Response

The Case of Little Peter (3 years old)

  • Already fearful of a lab rat.

  • Goal: To replace the fearful response to the lab rat with a calm one by pairing it with calming positive stimuli.

    • Method: Counterconditioning - Conditioning to eliminate an existing response.

Counterconditioning Method Steps:

  1. Present the rat in a cage until mild distress is shown.

  2. Leave the cage at that distance until the child ignores the rat.

  3. Gradually bring the cage closer until further signs of distress appear.

  4. Continue this process until the child can pet and play comfortably with the rat.

IX. Applications of Classical Conditioning

  1. Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

    • Counterconditioning / Exposure Therapy

    • Systematic Desensitization

  2. Advertising

    • Creating positive associations with products.

  3. Habit Change

    • Building new habits through conditioning.

  4. Animal Training

X. Additional Examples of Classical Conditioning

  1. Taste Aversion - Developing aversions to tastes associated with nausea.

  2. Conditioning of Physiological Processes:

    • Examples include immune suppression studies in cancer patients, insulin levels, etc.