Psychology 201: Classical Conditioning and Hypnosis

Psychology 201: Study Notes

Vocabulary

  • Un-learned Stimulus (US)

    • Definition: A stimulus that naturally elicits a response without prior conditioning.

  • Un-learned Response (UR)

    • Definition: The automatic response to an un-learned stimulus (US).

  • Neutral Stimulus (NS)

    • Definition: A stimulus that initially produces no specific response until conditioned.

  • Learned Stimulus (CS)

    • Definition: A previously neutral stimulus that, after becoming associated with an un-learned stimulus, eventually comes to trigger a learned response (CR).

  • Learned Response (Conditioned Response, CR)

    • Definition: The response that is elicited by a conditioned stimulus after conditioning has taken place.

Example Illustrations

  • Example of Conditioning:

    • Initial Response: Getting a flinch from a shot (US = shot, UR = flinch).

    • Neutral Stimulus becomes Conditioned Stimulus: The phrase "that was easy" (NS becomes CS) now elicits a flinch (CS-CR).

Classical Conditioning

  • Overview:

    • Classical conditioning involves involuntary behavior where a neutral stimulus is paired with an un-learned stimulus to elicit a response.

  • Pavlovian Learning:

    • Developed by Ivan Pavlov, it refers to a learning process in which a neutral object (stimulus) becomes associated with a biologically relevant stimulus (un-learned stimulus) to produce an involuntary response.

Pavlov's Experiment with Dogs:

  1. Before Conditioning:

    • Un-learned Stimulus (US): Food

    • Un-learned Response (UR): Drooling

    • Neutral Stimulus (NS): Metronome (initially no response)

  2. Conditioning Process:

    • Process: Present the metronome (NS) along with food (US) repeatedly.

  3. After Conditioning:

    • Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Metronome (now elicits a response after conditioning)

    • Conditioned Response (CR): Drooling (now provoked by the metronome).

Exam #2 Preparation Guidelines

  • Date: Check Moodle (Scheduled for October 29th).

  • Topics to Study:

    • Classical Conditioning and its processes.

Hypnosis in Therapy

  • Capabilities of Hypnosis:

    • Pain relief: Can reduce perception of pain.

    • Relaxation: Facilitates relaxation in therapy settings.

    • Facilitation of therapy progress: Assists in advancing therapeutic processes.

  • Endorphin Release and Pain Relief:

    • Hypnosis and endorphin production are linked, which may enhance pain relief effectiveness.

Misconceptions about Hypnosis:

  • Cannot force someone to commit actions against their will:

    • Hypnosis cannot create false memories.

    • Individuals cannot be hypnotized against their will.

Theoretical Perspectives on Hypnosis:

  • Dissociation Theories:

    • Suggests that hypnosis involves a split in consciousness, allowing for distinct experiences of thought and awareness.

  • Socio-cognitive Theories:

    • Propose that hypnosis is a product of social interactions and cognitive factors, emphasizing the role of the hypnotist and participant's beliefs on the effectiveness of hypnosis.