Learning and Motivation: Classical Conditioning

Learning and Motivation

• Classical conditioning is a type of unconscious learning that pairs an automatic conditioned response with a specific stimulus.

• Pavlov's experiment with dogs and salivation demonstrated how an unconditioned stimulus (food) paired with a neutral stimulus (bell) could create a conditioned response (salivation to the bell alone).

• In classical conditioning, an unconditioned stimulus (US) evokes an unconditioned response (UR), which is an automatic response to the US.

• A conditioned stimulus (CS), initially neutral, is paired with the US and eventually elicits a conditioned response (CR), which is often similar to the UR.

Stimulus Control

• Classical and instrumental conditioning are examples of stimulus control.

• Stimulus control refers to the influence of environmental cues on behaviour, which is based on past learning and experiences in similar situations.

• Discrimination and generalisation are important factors in stimulus control.

Skinner's Tripartite Contingency

• Skinner's Tripartite Contingency illustrates how behaviour is influenced by the environment and the consequences of behaviour.
  • Antecedent (A): the stimulus controlling behaviour
  • Behaviour (B): the response being reinforced
  • Consequence (C): the outcome of the behaviour

Fatigue

• Fatigue is a temporary state of discomfort and inefficency resulting from emotional strain, physical exertion, boredom, or lack of rest.

• Fatigue can cause a temporary inability to perform a learned response but does not indicate a lack of learning.

Habituation and Sensitisation

• Habituation is a decrease in responding due to repeated stimulation.
• Sensitisation is an increase in responding due to repeated stimulation.

Habit

• Habits can be learned through "context-dependent repetition."
• Performing a behaviour without conscious consideration of the reinforcer's value indicates a habit.

Drive Theories

• General drive theories explain reinforcement as drive reduction.
• General drive theories do not require inferring specific drives for each biological need.
• Drive stimulation can be reinforcing.

Panic Disorder

• Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, typically triggered unconsciously with unknown stimuli.
• Panic attacks are associated with catastrophic cognitions such as fear of dying, losing control, or going mad.
• Avoidance and escape behaviours are common in panic disorder.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common treatment for panic disorder.
• Interoceptive exposure is a technique used in CBT to help patients cope with physical sensations associated with panic.

Specific Phobia

• Specific phobia is an extreme and disabling fear of specific objects or situations that pose little objective danger.

Explore the principles of classical conditioning and stimulus control in this quiz. Learn how Pavlov's experiments shaped our understanding of learning through environmental cues and behavioral responses. Test your knowledge on key concepts like conditioned and unconditioned stimuli.