Classical Conditioning
Introduction
Learning in psychology basically involves behavior or knowledge acquisition which can be regarded as relatively permanent. This acquisition of knowledge is regarded as relative because in one way or the other, what is learnt can be changed or modified in some future date. In this text, I will describe the theory of operant conditioning which is basically learning through experience. I will then identify as well as describe a scenario in which I would apply classical conditioning theory and lastly prepare a chart in which I will describe how I would apply the theory of classical conditioning in my selected scenario.
The classical conditioning theory
According to Coon (2008), classical conditioning is one of the most popular behavioral learning aspects. Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist, was the first to develop the theory of classical conditioning and it is basically defined as a process of learning that is informed by an environmental as well as natural stimulus association. This learning process can be understood and appreciated by looking at its primary principles
The unconditioned stimulus
Lavond (2003) defines the unconditioned stimulus as that which brings about a response automatically or unconditionally. A good example of this is the aroma of delicious food. This may in one way or the other result in feelings of hunger and hence the delicious food aroma is the unconditioned stimulus.
The unconditioned response
This can be defined as the natural response that is largely unlearned and comes about or is triggered by the unconditioned stimulus. In the above scenario, the feeling of hunger brought about by the smell or aroma of delicious food is the unconditioned stimulus.
The conditioned stimulus
A conditioned stimulus can be defined as a stimulus that is basically neutral and in the end brings about a conditioned response on being linked with the unconditioned stimulus. In this case, we can still use our previous example to explain the conditioned stimulus. If for instance the food aroma is always accompanied be the ringing of as bell, eventually, the ringing of the bell will bring about the conditioned response. The conditioned stimulus in this scenario is the ringing of the bell.
The conditioned response
The conditioned response is basically the response that is learned in relation to the previous or former neutral stimulus. For instance, a feeling of hunger triggered by the ringing of the bell is the conditioned response.
Classical conditioning: a practical scenario
In the practical world, classical conditioning has been used severally in a number of scenarios. For instance, most of the pet trainers basically apply classical conditioning in pet training. Coon (2008) also notes that the classical conditioning techniques have also gained popularity within the last few decades in diverse areas such as but not limited to phobia treatment, classroom instruction etc.
In my opinion, I can train my partner to clean the house by utilizing classical conditioning techniques. With regard to classical conditioning I could use various approaches to persuading her to clean the house. One of the approaches of doing this would be engaging in something specific every time she cleans the house. For instance, I could touch her somewhere she likes every time she cleans the house. To make her clean the house, I will only have to touch her at a particular place she likes and she will think of engaging in my desired behavior.
Before conditioning
| Cleaning of the house. |
| Favorable act
i.e. touching partner |
After conditioning
| Favorable act
i.e. touching partner |
| Cleaning of the house |
Conclusion
It is important to note that classical conditioning techniques have also been variously utilized with regard to increasing as well as decreasing behavior amounts. With that in mind, it is clear that classical conditioning will continue to gather much popularity going forward.
References
Coon, D., & Mitterer, J.O. (2008). Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and Behavior. Cengage Learning
Lavond, D.G. & Steinmetz, J.E. (2003). Handbook of classical conditioning. Springer, 2003
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