classical conditioning

classical conditioning

1. falls within behavioural perspective - form of learning based on innate reflexes

   • first developed in experiments carried out on dogs by Pavlov
     • a bell (NS) was paired with food (UCS) which elicited salivation (UR) - repeated pairings of NS and UCS (classical contingency) became CS triggering CR (salivation)
       • same principles apply to humans
         • e.g. Watson's Little Albert - NS of rat paired with UCS of loud noise became CS eliciting CR of fear
           • example of comparative approach

2. Learning is described in terms of S-R associations being formed automatically when pairing of NS and UCS occur close together in time

   • process can also be explained in terms of expectancy - presentation of bell leads to expectancy of food, triggering reflex salivation response

3. CC is important as it contributes to understanding of learning - in particular how it can happen without awareness or a conscious intention to learn

   • important in historical role since it was used by Watson to challenge value of introspection as a method
     • led to emphasis on objective, measureable data (behaviour) and influence of environment on learning
       • important in the use of its principles in therapy e.g. use of systematic desensitisation in treatment of phobias