Learning: Key concept 1

Question 1

Classical conditioning

Answer 1

A form of learning where a neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus, taking on its properties so that a new stimulus-response association is learned.

Question 2

Conditioned response

Answer 2

The response produced by the conditioned stimulus on its own. A new association has been formed so that the neutral stimulus now produces the unconditioned response.

Question 3

Conditioned stimulus

Answer 3

A stimulus that only produces desired response after pairing with the unconditioned stimulus.

Question 4

Neutral stimulus

Answer 4

Any stimulus that does not produce the desired response. It becomes a conditioned stimulus after being paired with the unconditioned stimulus.

Question 5

Unconditioned response

Answer 5

An unlearned response to an unconditioned stimulus.

Question 6

Unconditioned stimulus

Answer 6

Any stimulus that produces a response without learning taking place.

Question 7

Generalisation

Answer 7

The tendency to respond in the same way to different but similar stimuli.

Question 8

Practical applications

Answer 8

Strength is that classical conditioning is the basis of a therapy used to treat some psychological disorders. For example, in aversion therapy, an addicted gambler is given a painful electric shock when they read gambling related phrases on cards. The shock produces an unconditioned response, after several pairings, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus and produces the same discomfort. This shows that classical conditioning has useful applications that can reduce psychological suffering and improve quality of life.

Question 9

Research support evaluation

Answer 9

Strength is evidence that learning in humans can take place through classical conditioning. For example, little albert experiment showed that originally he wasn’t scared of rats but after the researcher paired the rat with something albert was afraid of he cried and crawled away. This shows that classically conditioning a fear response to a neutral stimulus is relatively straightforward.

Question 10

Limited explanation of learning evaluation

Answer 10

Weakness is that classical conditioning can only explain learning of a limited range of behaviours. For example, classical conditioning can explain how the phobia of dogs is acquired. But it cannot explain how that phobia continues over time. This means classical conditioning is just a partial explanation of learning with limited applications.