Chapter8pt.1LearningandClassicalConditioning.pptVIP

Criticism of Old School Behaviorists: They Ignore Biological Predispositions Watson and Pavlov believed any animal (including humans) could be conditioned where ANY neutral stimulus paired with a unconditioned stimulus could easily produce a conditioned response. Proved wrong by taste aversion studies Biology influences learning Conditioning occurs easier with some stimuli than others The response does not have to follow the stimuli immediately The biological predispositions of each species dispose it to learn the particular associations that enhance its survival Garcia’s Taste Aversion Studies Set up experiment with rats. Exposed them to sights, sounds, and tastes (CS) and later also gave them radiation or drugs that led to nausea and vomiting (UCR). Even if sickened hours later, rats avoided the particular flavor of water but did NOT develop aversions to the sights or sounds. Taste Aversion became known as the “Garcia Effect.” Importance of Taste Aversion Studies 1.) Violated behaviorists principle that any stimulus could serve as a CS. Flowers 2.) Shows that nature prepares the members of each species to learn those things crucial to their survival. 3.) Are exceptions to classical conditioning rules: UCS does not always have to follow CS immediately. Some Real World Applications of Classical Conditioning 1.??Crack cocaine users feel craving when they encounter cues associated with highs (people, places, etc). So drug and rehab counselors advise them to steer clear of these places and people…make new friends, move. 2.??Alcohol with drug that induces vomiting cut down drinking. Classical conditioning is especially useful for understanding which one of the following examples of learning? A dog that has learned to “sit” for a food reward A psych student who is learning how memory works A child who, after a painful dental visit, has developed a fear of the dentist An executive who is afraid that she will lose her job The responses in c