Summarise what is meant by Classical Conditioning.

Classical conditioning refers to a type of learning in which a biologically reactive stimulus is paired with a stimulus which was previously neutral. The result of this process is learning a response to a previously neutral stimulus. Pavlov first studied Classical Conditioning with dogs and found that if dogs were shown food (biologically reactive stimulus) and a bell (neutral stimulus) in association multiple times, a response of salivation would be elicited. This salivation response would be elicited just from displaying just the bell (neutral stimulus) to the dog. The association between these two stimuli therefore resulted in an associated learned response/behaviour. Therefore, classical conditioning refers to a learning process of a response through association between two stimuli.

CM
Answered by Clare M. Psychology tutor

2311 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What can influence the development of a child’s attachment to their mother?


What are the key assumptions of the biological approach in Psychology?


Briefly describe the working memory model. (4 marks)


outline one biological explanation for schizophrenia (4 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences