Classical Conditioning Overview

Study Notes

Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning is a learning process in which a specific response is automatically triggered by a neutral stimulus that has been associated with an unconditioned stimulus. This process creates a conditioned response, which is a learned response to the previously neutral stimulus. Classical conditioning was discovered through the experiments of Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work.

Pavlov's Experiment

Pavlov's experiment with dogs is one of the most famous examples of classical conditioning. In this experiment, Pavlov noticed that dogs would salivate when food was presented, which was the unconditioned response. He then introduced a neutral stimulus, such as a bell, which was rung shortly before the food was presented. Initially, the dogs did not respond to the bell. However, after repeated exposure to the bell before food, the dogs began to salivate at the sound of the bell alone, indicating a conditioned response.

Conditioned Response

The conditioned response is a learned response to the previously neutral stimulus. In Pavlov's experiment, salivation was the conditioned response, which was triggered by the bell indicating the coming of food. The conditioned response is the same as the unconditioned response, except it is triggered by the conditioned stimulus.

Unconditioned Stimulus

The unconditioned stimulus is a stimulus that leads to an automatic response. In Pavlov's experiment, the food was the unconditioned stimulus, as it naturally triggered the unconditioned response of salivation.

Extinction in Classical Conditioning

Extinction in classical conditioning occurs when the association between the conditioned stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus is disrupted. This can happen if the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus for an extended period, causing the conditioned response to gradually decrease and eventually disappear.

Applications of Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning has various applications in everyday life. For example, when a child hears the sound of a bell and then receives a treat, they learn to associate the bell with the treat. Over time, the child may start to salivate at the sound of the bell, even without the treat present, demonstrating a conditioned response.

In conclusion, classical conditioning is a process in which a specific response is automatically triggered by a neutral stimulus that has been associated with an unconditioned stimulus. This process creates a conditioned response, which is a learned response to the previously neutral stimulus. Classical conditioning has been extensively studied and has various applications in everyday life.

Description

Learn about classical conditioning, a type of learning process discovered by Ivan Pavlov. Explore Pavlov's famous experiment with dogs, the concept of conditioned response, unconditioned stimulus, extinction, and applications of classical conditioning in everyday life.