Classical Conditioning

Question 1

Define Classical Conditioning

Answer 1

Learning through association.

Question 2

Who researched Classical Conditioning?

Answer 2

Ivan Pavlov (1927).

Question 3

Before Conditioning

Answer 3

Unconditioned stimulus (UCS) results in an unconditioned response (UCR).

Question 4

During Conditioning

Answer 4

A neutral stimulus (NS) paired with the UCS results in a UCR.

Question 5

After Conditioning

Answer 5

NS now results in UCR so both have become conditioned (NS and NR).

Question 8

Why does the Neutral Stimulus cause the Response?

Answer 8

The dogs made an association between the bell and the food.

Question 9

Strengths of Classical Conditioning

Answer 9

• helps us understand some parts of phobias
• led to development of treatments for anxiety (systematic desensitisation)
• conducted in laboratory and controlled properly, high validity.

Question 10

Weaknesses of Classical Conditioning

Answer 10

• humans are a different species to dogs so results may not be generalisable
• cuts out cognitive elements
• doesn’t consider humans ability to evaluate our behaviours