Behaviourist Approach- Classical Conditioning

Behaviourist Approach- Classical Conditioning

1. Classical conditioning

   • Associated with Pavlov
   • Involves pairing NS with UCS so that eventually NS becomes a CS, capable of eliciting a CR
   • NS+UCS=UCR
   • Timing- NS must be shortly before UCS
   • Extinction- CS loses its ability to produce CR after a few trials if no reinforcement
   • Spontaneous recovery- CS+UCS paired again, link made much more quickly
   • Stimulus generalisation- CR also to stimuli that are similar to CS (Little Albert)

2. Strengths

   • It has led to the development of treatments for reduction of anxiety

3. Weaknesses

   • E.g. different species have different capabilities to learn through classical conditioning

4. Further evaluation

   • Behaviourist explanations ignore the role played by cognitive and emotional factors