Extinction

Classical Conditioning Basics

• Definition: Classical conditioning is a learning process whereby a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, resulting in a learned response.

Human Behavior and Classical Conditioning

• Human behaviors can be explained through classical conditioning principles, demonstrated by reactions to certain stimuli, like the hunger pangs experienced at the sight of McDonald's golden arches.

  • Example: The arches (previously neutral stimulus) become associated with food (unconditioned stimulus) leading to hunger (conditioned response).

Development of Fears

• Classical conditioning plays a significant role in the development of fears.

  • Case Study: John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner conducted an experiment with "Little Albert" (a 11-month-old infant) where:

    • Loud noises (unconditioned stimulus) were paired with a white rat (neutral stimulus), evoking fear (unconditioned response).

    • After multiple pairings, Albert showed fear (conditioned response) to the rat alone, indicating the rat became a conditioned stimulus.

    • The fear generalized to similar stimuli (e.g., a white rabbit, fur coat).

• Ethics: Concerns about Watson's methods have been raised due to ethical issues related to subjecting a child to fear conditioning.

Learning in Adulthood

• Adult experiences also illustrate classical conditioning, such as avoiding the dentist due to past pain associations.

• Phobias: Classical conditioning can lead to extreme phobias, such as fears of insects stemming from traumatic experiences (e.g., bee sting).

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Veterans may have conditioned responses to stimuli reminiscent of traumatic experiences, resulting in anxiety and fear even years later.

Drug Addiction and Classical Conditioning

• Drug addiction is significantly influenced by classical conditioning.

  • Conditioned Stimuli: Addicts associate drug paraphernalia (e.g., syringe) with the drug's effects (unconditioned response), which can trigger cravings upon encountering these stimuli again.

Racism and Classical Conditioning

• Negative attitudes towards certain racial groups can be formed through associations with certain news stories or social media, leading to harmful stereotypes.

Positive Conditioning

• Conversely, classical conditioning can create positive associations, such as:

  • A specific perfume triggering fond memories of a past relationship.

  • Listening to a favorite song evoking nostalgic feelings due to prior experiences.

Extinction in Classical Conditioning

• Definition: Extinction is the process where a conditioned response decreases and eventually disappears.

  • This happens when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus.

  • Example: A dog trained to salivate at a bell will stop salivating if the bell is rung repeatedly without food being presented.

Spontaneous Recovery

• Definition: Spontaneous recovery is the reemergence of a previously extinguished response after a period of rest.

  • Pavlov's Experiment: Demonstrated that even after extinction, dogs could again salivate upon hearing the bell after days without conditioning.

  • This phenomenon complicates overcoming addictions, as stimuli associated with drug use can trigger cravings even after treatment.