Applications of Classical Conditioning

Using Classical ConditioningOpens up whole new study on how behaviors can be learned, and unlearned. Theory developed into applications of principles to teach behaviors.

Not always ethical

Understanding Development Based on Classical ConditioningFirst studied by John Watson. Contributed to the understanding that most of our learned reactions come from classical conditioning.

Examples???

The Nature of Fears and Phobias

Watson and Rosalie Rayner ran experiment teaching a behavior using C.C. Baby Albert

Taught baby to fear white rat (CR) by pairing a white rat (CS) hitting a hammer on a steel rod (UCR). Albert learned to associate the rat with loud noise = Afraid of rat.

Factors in Phobic Conditioning

Observational Learning: Acquiring a fear (CR) through observing someone else showing fear to the CS. Temperament: Base level of emotionality/reactivity to stimulation (Poodles vs German Shepherds) Preparedness: Tendency to associate some CS-US associations more readily than others. History of Control: Having some control over events immunizes organisms against a higher level of fear associated with strange new stimuli.

Treating Phobias: Counterconditioning

Mary Jones Used counter conditioning to help her subject overcome fear of rabbits. One CS is presented at the same time as another event, elicits incompatible response. Paired cookies/milk (UCS of happiness) with rabbit (CS of fear). Slowly moved rabbit closer and was able to remove cookies. Subject unlearned fear of rabbits.

Aversion TherapyPair the problem behavior with an aversive stimulus. Getting a subject to no longer perform a behavior by pairing it with an unattractive stimuli.

ex. Smoking paired with a punch in the arm. As an association forms the attractiveness of the problem behavior is reduced.

Classical Conditioning in Advertising

Pair products with stimuli that elicit positive emotions.

Exp: A series of slides shown to college kids, contained neutral scenes, pleasant scenes, and various products.

Experimental group: Shown Brand X toothpaste followed by pleasant scenes. Control group: Shown Brand X toothpaste followed by neutral scenes. Experimental group rated Brand X higher than control group.