To test this theory, Pavlov began ringing a bell prior to feeding the dogs. This sparked him theorizing that the reason the dogs were salivating was because they now associated their caretakers with being fed. During this time, he noticed the dogs began salivating when seeing the people who would feed them. Pavlov originally began with an experiment related to the canine digestive systems. In 1897, Russian psychologist Ivan Pavlov published his theory and findings on classical conditioning that continues to remain relevant in the practices of behavioral therapy to this day. The most famous example of classical conditioning is the theory of Pavlov’s dog. To put it simply, classical conditioning is a type of learning that happens unconsciously. What Is Classical Conditioning?Ĭlassical conditioning that pairs an automatic response to a specific stimulus. Classical conditioning ignores the role of cognitive and biological factors which have also been shown to play a role in learning.In this article, we will explore the concepts of discrimination, generalization, and how psychology and individuals can be affected by both.There must be other learning processes involved. However, much human behaviour is voluntary and therefore cannot be explained by Classical Conditioning. Classical conditioning is limited to explaining how reflex responses become associated with new stimuli.Whilst conditioning may be useful in explaining animal behaviour, it may not be very useful in explaining learning in humans. Therefore, generalisations between humans and animals must be made with caution. Although there is supporting evidence, like little Albert, generalising and applying the findings of dogs to humans is still very difficult. This means that it is impossible for all these processes to be observed. Although conditioning can be observed in dogs and most species, human behaviour is driven by complex emotions and thought processes. The use of animals is a criticism of Pavlov's research.It also provides useful counter conditioning treatments, including systematic desensitisation (used to extinguish phobia's such as that of 'little Albert'). Valuable contribution to society - Pavlov's research provides powerful explanations for the development of a variety of behaviour s including psychological disorders.High Credibility - Other elements of Pavlov's research have been supported in Watson & Rayner's research: Albert's anxiety response had generalised from the white rat to some other white furry objects that were similar to the white rat (ie: cotton wool and a white stick on beard). Before: Noise (UCS) = Anxiety (UCR) - During: Noise (UCS) + Rat (NS) = Anxiety (UCR) - After: Rat (CS) = Anxiety (CR) Their study involved conditioning an 18 month old boy, Little Albert to develop a phobia of a white rat by pairing the rat with a loud noise. One famous study of Watson & Rayner (1920) supports Pavlov's research and links Classical Conditioning to be an element that effects the development of phobias.
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