John Watson & Classical Conditioning Quiz

Questions and Answers

What major shift did John B. Watson contribute to in psychology?

Personal intuition

Exclusively biological explanations

Focus on introspection

Emphasis on environmentalism (correct)

What was the outcome of the Experiment on Little Albert?

Little Albert developed a fear of the rat after associated loud noise.

Who first described classical conditioning?

Ivan Pavlov

What is classical conditioning?

A type of learning where a neutral stimulus elicits a response after being paired with a naturally occurring stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is another term for classical conditioning?

Pavlovian Conditioning Signup and view all the answers

Match the elements of classical conditioning with their descriptions:

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) = A stimulus that automatically produces a response Unconditioned Response (UCR) = An automatic response to the UCS Conditioned Stimulus (CS) = Initially neutral, becomes associated with UCS Conditioned Response (CR) = Learned response elicited by the CS Signup and view all the answers

What does an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) do?

It consistently produces a particular automatic response. Signup and view all the answers

What is an unconditioned response (UCR)?

A reflexive, involuntary response to a UCS. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a conditioned stimulus (CS)?

It is neutral at the start and does not normally produce the UCR. Signup and view all the answers

What is a conditioned response (CR)?

The learned response triggered by the conditioned stimulus after association with the UCS. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

John B. Watson

Transitioned psychology from introspection to environmental factors influencing behavior.
Emphasized that learning principles significantly contribute to behavioral development.

Experiment on Little Albert

Conducted by Watson and Rayner, involving a young boy named Albert.
Albert was exposed to a rat paired with a loud, frightening noise.
After repeated pairings, Albert began to cry upon seeing the rat, demonstrating learned fear.

Ivan Pavlov

Russian psychologist recognized for his work on classical conditioning in 1899.
His research initially focused on dog digestion, leading to insights on behavioral responses.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a naturally occurring stimulus.
Over time, the neutral stimulus elicits a response similar to that of the unconditioned stimulus.

Pavlovian or Respondent Conditioning

Alternative terms used to describe classical conditioning.

Elements of Classical Conditioning

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS): Stimulus that produces a natural, automatic response.
Unconditioned Response (UCR): Reflexive, involuntary reaction to the UCS.
Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Initially neutral stimulus that gains significance through association with the UCS.
Conditioned Response (CR): Learned response to the CS, usually resembling the UCR but triggered only by the CS.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

Represents any stimulus that reliably triggers a natural response without prior conditioning.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

Automatic reaction that occurs in response to the UCS; it is reflexive and involuntary.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A stimulus that starts off neutral and does not elicit a response until it is paired with the UCS.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The response learned through the association of the CS with the UCS; it occurs only in response to the CS after conditioning.

Description

Explore the foundational concepts of John B. Watson's approach to psychology, particularly focusing on classical conditioning. This quiz delves into key experiments, including the famous Little Albert study, highlighting the principles of environmentalism in behavior development.