Classical conditioning

General

Classical conditioning, sometimes also known as Pavlov conditioning, respondent conditioning or Pavlovian reinforcement is an behaviorist associate learning theory first introduced in 1927 by Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov.

What is classical conditioning?

Classical conditioning is based on the famous Pavlov's dogs experiment. In this experiment, Pavlov, with means of reinforcement, thought his dogs to respond to the sound of the bell (conditioned stimulus, CS) by salivating (in this case both conditioned and unconditioned response, CS, UCS), which is the same way they would respond to food (unconditioned stimulus, US). A brief description of the experiment can be hound here.

The learning process here consists of associating an environmental (conditioned) stimulus to a naturally occurring (unconditioned)stimulus. During the learning process it is important that unconditioned stimulus precedes conditioned stimulus and successful learning manifested in a natural reflex reaction on an associated environmental stimulus. This defines the classical conditioning.

Other important parameters of classical conditioning are latency (length of time between unconditioned and conditioned stimulus), extinction (decreasing of probability of learned behavior after unconditioned and conditioned stimulus appeared impaired for a number of times) and spontaneous recovery (spontaneous re-occurrence of learned behavior after extinction).

Taste aversion and the Little Albert experiment performed by John Watson, founder of behaviorism are some more examples of classical conditioning.

Basic behaviorist principles can also be recognized in this experiments: they approach learning as to a visible change in behavior formed by external stimuli, and even in case of performing an experiment on a human subject, they ignore learners mind processes.

What is the practical meaning of classical conditioning?

Even apart from classical conditioning techniques that help people or professionals train their pets, in reality there are many real-world applications for classical conditioning. These applications often include the treatment of phobias or anxiety problems in educational process.

Teachers are able to apply classical conditioning in the class by creating a positive classroom environment to help students overcome anxiety or fear. Pairing an anxiety-provoking situation, such as performing in front of a group, with pleasant surroundings helps the student learn new associations. Instead of feeling anxious and tense in these situations, the student will learn to stay relaxed and calm.

Keywords and most important names

Classical conditioning, Pavlov conditioning, respondent conditioning, Pavlovian reinforcement, Pavlov's dogs, little Albert, conditioned stimulus, conditioned response, unconditioned stimulus, unconditioned response, latency, extinction, spontaneous recovery

Ivan Pavlov, John Watson

Bibliography

"Classical Conditioning - Introduction to Classical Conditioning.".

"Classical Conditioning (Pavlov) at Learning Theories.".

"Classical Conditioning.".

Read more

Pavlov, Ivan. P. Conditioned reflexes: An investigation of the physiological activity of the cerebral cortex. 1927.

Lavond, David G., and Joseph E. Steinmetz. Handbook of classical conditioning. Springer, 2003.