Classical Conditioning Psychology

Classical Conditioning: Short Questions

Some short questions and answers based on the topic of classical conditioning:

1. What is classical conditioning?

   • Classical conditioning is a type of associative learning where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a response.

2. Who is the scientist most associated with classical conditioning?

   • Ivan Pavlov is the Russian physiologist credited with pioneering research on classical conditioning.

3. Define the Unconditioned Stimulus (US) and Unconditioned Response (UR).

   • The Unconditioned Stimulus (US) is a stimulus that naturally triggers a response without prior learning. The Unconditioned Response (UR) is the naturally occurring response to this stimulus.

4. What happens during the acquisition phase of classical conditioning?

   • During acquisition, the neutral stimulus (CS) is repeatedly paired with the unconditioned stimulus (US), leading the neutral stimulus to elicit a conditioned response (CR).

5. How is extinction related to classical conditioning?

   • Extinction occurs when the conditioned response (CR) weakens and disappears after the conditioned stimulus (CS) is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus (US).

6. What is spontaneous recovery in classical conditioning?

   • Spontaneous recovery refers to the reappearance of a previously extinguished conditioned response (CR) after a period of rest and without further training.

7. How does generalization differ from discrimination in classical conditioning?

   • Generalization is the tendency to respond to stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus (CS), while discrimination is the ability to distinguish between the CS and irrelevant stimuli.

8. Provide an example of classical conditioning in real-world advertising.

   • Companies might associate a product (CS) with positive emotions or attractive images, leading consumers to have a positive response (CR) to the product.

9. How can classical conditioning explain the development of phobias?

   • Classical conditioning can explain how phobias develop by associating a previously neutral stimulus with a negative experience, leading to a fear response.

10. What are some criticisms of classical conditioning?

• Critics argue that classical conditioning oversimplifies human behavior, neglecting cognitive processes and the complexity of real-world situations involving multiple stimuli.

11. How has classical conditioning influenced psychology?

• Classical conditioning has had a profound impact on psychology, laying the groundwork for further research into learning, behavior, and therapeutic interventions.