The main features of classical conditioning (Pavlovian), including unconditioned stimulus (UCS); unconditioned response (UCR); conditioned stimulus (CS); neutral stimulus (NS); conditioned response (CR); extinction, spontaneous recovery and stimulus generalisation and distribution.
Evaluation
Pavlov (1927) showed that dogs would learn to respond by salivating to a buzzer when it was paired with food, supporting classical conditioning
Pavlov (1927) used dogs in his study which lack generalisability to human learning as dogs have different genes and brain structure to humans.
Watson and Rayner (1920) showed that Little Albert generalised his fear of a white rat to other similar stimuli such as a fur coat
Little Albert’s conditioning took place in a controlled, artificial setting so it may be that classical conditioning may not explain learning in a more natural setting
Past Paper Questions
1 Markers
Define the following classical conditioning terms. (a) Spontaneous recovery (1) (b) Extinction (1) (c) Stimulus generalisation (1) June 2016
Define the term ‘unconditioned stimulus’ (UCS) as it is used in classical conditioning. (1) June 2017
State the neutral stimulus (NS) that had no original effect on Katya’s behaviour. (1) June 2017
Give the conditioned response (CR) that Katya shows. (1) June 2017
2 Markers
Describe how you would use classical conditioning to train a dog to sit. (2) October 2016
Describe what is meant by the term ‘stimulus generalisation’ as used in classical conditioning. (2) October 2019
Describe what is meant by the term ‘extinction’ as used in classical conditioning. (2) October 2019
In your studies of learning theories and development, you will have learned about operant conditioning. Describe, using an example, what is meant by the term ‘primary reinforcement’ as used in operant conditioning. (2) January 2021
4 Markers
Explain two strengths of classical conditioning as an explanation of learning. (4) June 2016
Describe the process of classical conditioning. (4) October 2018
Explain one strength and one weakness of classical conditioning. (4) October 2018
Explain two weaknesses of classical conditioning as an explanation of human behaviour. (4) January 2021
6 Marker
Compare classical conditioning and operant conditioning. (6) June 2017
8 Marker
Evaluate classical conditioning as an explanation for human behaviour. (8) June 2019
Assess the usefulness of classical conditioning as an explanation of human behaviour. (8) October 2020
Evuska liked peanut butter sandwiches until she ate one as a child and it got stuck in her throat making her choke. She now has a phobia of peanut butter sandwiches and chokes and gags when she sees one. Evuska also chokes and gags when she sees other sandwiches. Discuss classical conditioning as an explanation of Evuska’s phobia. You must make reference to the context in your answer. (8) June 2021
