For almost half a century, until the 1960s, behaviorism was the dominant approach to the study of learning.
Behaviorists have shown that two types of conditioning can explain much of human behavior.
Classical and operant conditioning.
Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist, first studied classical conditioning.
In this type of learning, when a neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus (US) that elicits some reflexive unconditioned response (UR), the neutral stimulus comes to elicit a similar or related response.
The neutral stimulus is then called a conditioned stimulus (CS), and the response it elicits, a conditioned response (CR).
Nearly any kind of involuntary response can become a CR.
Principles Of Classical Conditioning
Higher order conditioning is when a neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus by being paired with an already established conditioned stimulus.
Stimulus generalization occurs after a stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus for some response. Other similar stimuli produce a similar reaction.
Stimulus discrimination is when different responses are made to stimuli that resemble the conditioned stimulus in some way.
Classical Conditioning: What Is Learned?
Many theorists believe that what an animal or person learns in classical conditioning is not just an association between the unconditioned and conditioned stimulus, but information conveyed by one stimulus about another.
They cite evidence that the neutral stimulus does not become a CS unless it reliable signals or predicts the US.
Classical Conditioning In Real Life
Classical conditioning may help account for positive emotional responses to particular objects and events; Fears and phobias; The acquisition of likes and dislikes; And reactions to medical treatments and placebos.
John Watson showed how fears may be learned and then may be unlearned through a process of counterconditioning.
Behavior becomes more likely to occur or less so, depending on its consequences.
Responses are generally not reflexive and are more complex than in classical conditioning.
Research in this area is closely associated with B.F. Skinner, who called his approach radical behaviorism.
In the Skinnerian analysis, a response (operant) can lead to neutral, reinforcing, or punishing consequences.
Reinforcement strengthens or increases the probability of a response.
Punishment weakens or decreases the probability of a response.
Reinforcers are called primary when they are naturally reinforcing (ex.
For almost half a century, until the 1960s, behaviorism was the dominant approach to the study of learning.
Behavior Class
Behavior Class Start with APA guide and information on how to write the reference sheet Show Classical Conditioning video Show Throndike Video Go through lecture notes stop after slide Show both Skinner videos Finish with last two slides