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Unit 9: Learning, Attitudes and Values

9.4.1 Classical Conditioning Notes

Classical conditioning is one of the simplest forms of learning yet it has a powerful effect on our
attitudes, likes and dislikes, and emotional responses. We have all learned to respond in specific
ways to a variety of words and symbols. Our lives are profoundly influenced by associations we
learn through classical conditioning. Ivan Pavlov whose research on the conditioned reflex in
dogs revealed much of what we know about the principles of classical conditioning.
Classical Conditioning of Pavlov: Ivan Pavlov (1849 - 1936) organised and directed research in
physiology at the Institute of Experimental Medicine in St. Petersburg, Russia from 1891 until
his death in 1936. His book "Conditioned Reflexes" is one of the classic works in psychology.
Classical conditioning is modifying behaviour so that a conditioned stimulus is paired with an
unconditioned stimulus and elicits an unconditioned behaviour. Ivan Pavlov, a Russian
psychologist developed classical conditioning theory based on his experiments to teach dog to
salivate in response to the ringing of a bell. When Pavlov presented meat (unconditioned
stimulus) to the dog, he noticed a great deal of salivation (conditioned response). But, when
merely bell was rung, no salivation was noticed in the dog. Then, when next Pavlov did was to
link the meat and the ringing of the bell. He did this several times. Afterwards, he merely rang
the bell without presenting the meat. Now, the dog began to salivate as soon as the bell rang.
After a while, the dog would salivate merely at the sound of the bell, even if no meat were
presented. In effect, the dog had learned to respond i.e. to salivate to the bell.
Figure 9.1: Classical Conditioning Theory

Meat Unconditional Stimulus Unconditional
Response

Bell Conditional Stimulus

Response
Meat Unconditional Stimulus

Conditional
Bell Conditional Stimulus
Response

Classical conditioning introduces a simple cause-and-effect relationship between one stimulus
and response. It also makes the response reflective or involuntary after the stimulus-response
relationship has been established. This leaves no ground for making choice, which differences
human beings from dogs. Under certain situations classical conditioning does explain human
behaviour. For example, if a student is always reprimanded by his Principal when he is
summoned to the principal's office he may become nervous whenever asked to come to the
principal's office because of this association.

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