...Little Albert Experiment- Classical Conditioning Adaora Nwokedi PSY1001 S02 - General Psychology Raymond Brogan South University Online 06/06/2017 A stimulus is anything that stimulates your senses. It is anything you can hear, feel, touch, taste or smell. Stimuli produces responses. When something is said to be conditioned, it means it had to be learned and when it is unconditioned, it means it happens naturally. With that said, given the study, we can explain unconditioned stimulus to be understood as the stimuli that produces a response based on one’s normal physiological response, these types of responses are not taught, and are called Unconditioned responses. Initially, the baby was calm and showed no fear (unconditioned stimulus) to the unconditioned stimulus placed in front of him (rat, dog, etc.)...
Words: 463 - Pages: 2
...explained through classical conditioning. In other words fears are learned. Learning is any relatively permanent change in the way an organism responds based on its experience. The famous experiment of Watson and Rayner with “Little Albert” shows clearly how classical conditioning can account for irrational fears, or phobias. This example of classical conditioning as well as Aristotle’s laws of association which account for learning and memory that describe the conditions under which one thought becomes connected or associated with another can perhaps help shed light on the genesis of phobias. Another term for classical conditioning is respondent conditioning; it is a procedure by which a previously neutral stimulus comes to elicit a response after it is paired with a stimulus that automatically elicits a response. In the Little Albert experiment, Watson and Rayner used an unconditional reflex, through an unconditional stimulus to produce and unconditioned response one that occurs naturally without any prior learning. Albert was presented with a variety of objects, including a dog, a rabbit, a white rat, a Santa Claus mask, and a fur coat. Albert showed no fear of these objects; in fact he regularly played with the rat. Watson and Rayner then tested Little Albert’s response to a loud noise; Albert reacted by jumping, and whimpering. Watson and Rayner then decided that the white rat would be the conditioned stimulus in their experiment, every time Albert reached out to touch...
Words: 850 - Pages: 4
...Running head: Classical Conditioning Classical Conditioning University of Phoenix, Online Learning and Cognition PSY/390 May 1, 2011 Classical conditioning is best explained and defined by analyzing its theorists and their experiments. J.B. Watson and Ivan Pavlov were instrumental in classical conditioning with their experiments of human beings and animals which were ground-breaking to the field of Psychology (Haworth, 1992). We will explore classical conditioning by analyzing both theorist’s experiments as well as introduce a scenario in which classical conditioning would be applicable and demonstrate its effectiveness through a chart illustration. J.B. Watson John Broadus Watson was a psychologist born in Greenville, S.C. in 1878 and died in 1958. He focused his studies and analysis on the observation of human beings. He originated the school of behaviorism which deals with behavior in response to stimuli. He saw psychology as the study of human behavior and the ability to predict and control those behaviors. John B. Watson is very well known for his experiment called “Little Albert” in which he theorized that children have three basic emotional reactions which are fear, rage and love. Through his experiment, he wanted to prove that these three basic emotional reactions could be artificially conditioned in children by operant means. In the Little Albert experiment, Watson took an 11-month old infant...
Words: 956 - Pages: 4
...2011). Addiction is compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance. Both phobias and addictions are learned by association and by learning methods such as classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Some phobias are believed to be developed through classical conditioning. If a neutral stimulus is paired with and unconditioned stimulus that creates an unconditioned response that causes fear, a conditioned stimulus of fear will occur every time you encounter the neutral stimulus. In a study performed by JohnWatson, the founder of American behaviorism, he tested the theory of phobias developed through classical conditioning. Choosing a healthy nine month old baby, Little Albert, he experimented with a rat and loud banging of a steel hammer. After being presented with the rat, Little Albert played with the rat and had no fear. After being presented with the steel being banged, he became scared. After a few months of combining the rat with the loud banging, Little Albert became very fearful of the rat. Little Albert learned to associate the loud banging with the rat. This classical conditioning produced a conditioned stimulus or an emotional response of fear and a phobia. Addiction is a learned behavior because the initial pleasure or enjoyment is rewarding. According to the principles of operant conditioning, rewarded behaviors will increase with usage of certain substances. Drugs are substances that cause addictions in humans. Drugs are mostly addicting because they...
Words: 941 - Pages: 4
...sometimes even both. A phobia is an irrational fear of a specific object or situation. Addiction is a need or enslavement to a substance, an object, an activity, or a habit that is psychologically or physically habit-forming such as narcotics are, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma and most often an interruption in a person’s life (Robinson & Berridge, 2003). For the most part, addiction is a disease. When we are born, we start experimenting and learning for survival among other things. Phobias can develop through learning. The two most common and prominent ways or styles of learning are classical and operant learning. Classical and operant conditioning are psychological processes in which a person learns. Therefore, phobias and addictions are associated to classical and operant conditioning. Learning theorist, Edward Thorndike and Albert Bandura can account for two emotional difficulties, which are phobias and addictions. Learning theorist also include behaviorist Edward Tolman, Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov, and British naturalist Charles Darwin. Phobias and addictions are emotional issues or difficulties that many people have to cope with daily. Phobias are irrational fear. These fears can be powerful and at times devastating yet they are unfounded and are not based on fact or reality. In addition, addiction most often involves a psychologically or physically need for a substance or object, which a person, cannot control in order to perform certain...
Words: 1217 - Pages: 5
...Phobias and Addictions Chantel Billingsley PSY/300 May 30, 2014 Brian Hawkins Abstract This paper provides a broad overview of phobias and addictions. The difference between classical conditioning and how it relates to phobias will be dicussed, as well as operant conditioning and how it develops into addictions. Distinguishing between classical and operant conditioning, will show the differences between the two. I will cover what extinction means and how it is achieved in both types of conditioning. "Phobia" means "morbid fear" in greek (What is Phobia, 2014). Fear is a natural response to a genuine danger. Phobias are the emotional and physical reactions to feared objects or situations; this fear becomes irrational and excessive. Feelings of horror, panic and terror may occur. Reactions become automatic and uncontrollable, taking over a person's thoughts and sometimes causing physical symptoms. These symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling and overwhelming desire to avoid the feared object or situation. There are three major categories of phobias. First category called specific phobias focuses on certain objects, animals, people and situations. Some of the most recognized phobias fall under this category; the fear of heights (acrophobia), the fear of spiders (arachnophobia) and the fear of enclosed spaces(claustrophobia). The second major category is the fear of open spaces (agoraphobia). Most individual...
Words: 1345 - Pages: 6
...Watson to consider psychology a science of behavior. Rather than focusing on methods like introspection, Watson strongly suggests that psychological research involve examinations of the measurable and observable behaviors. In his classic study of Little Albert, Watson demonstrates how learning of fear can occur through the principle of classical conditioning. Watson and other behaviorists like B.F. Skinner also emphasize that environmental factors affect and determine behavior. Skinner took the study of behaviorism to the next level by proposing concepts like mind, consciousness, and feelings were neither measureable or observable and were, therefore, not necessary in explaining behavior. Skinner claims that one can explain behavior by analyzing the conditions present before a behavior occurs and by analyzing the consequences that follow the behavior. The principles associated with Skinner’s operant conditioning suggest personality as a function of environmental influences rather than unconscious thoughts and feelings. However, this belief faces criticism for paying little attention to emotions and internal processes. By examining the theories of Watson and Skinner, one can better understand by classical and operant conditioning by explaining their major themes and evaluating their effectiveness in explaining behavior. Watson’s and Skinner’s Theories Identified John B. Watson is typically considered the founding father of behaviorism. Current psychological beliefs...
Words: 850 - Pages: 4
...situations” (Merriam-Webster, 2013). On the other hand an addiction can be defined as, “A persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful” (Merriam-Webster, 2013). The similarity between these two behaviors lies in the compulsive and persistent fear or desire of the object or situation. Two of the well-known learning methods, classical and operant conditioning, can contribute to developing phobias and addictions. One behavior that can be developed by classical conditioning is a Phobia. The concept of developing phobia through classical conditioning occurs when one stimulus is paired with another resulting in a different response (Kowalski & Weston, 2011, p. 165). In 1920, John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner conducted a classical conditioning study that paved the way for the development of phobias. In this study, they surmised that emotional responses could be learned from the “Little Albert” experiment. They first frightened the subject, Little Albert, by making a very loud noise behind him. After many tests they were able to associate the loud noise with a white rate. They were able to condition Little Albert to be afraid of the white rat without hearing the loud noise because of the association to the noise. Phobias can be developed different ways as well, for example when a child goes ice skating for the first...
Words: 969 - Pages: 4
...experience phobias and/or addiction. Both can be deeply rooted in a persons mind and are derived through one of two styles of learning; classical or operant conditioning. The development of a phobia through classical conditioning, although not likely logical, can significantly impact every day life, in some cases disabling a person from doing common day-to-day things. Similarly, addictions developed through operant conditioning can be detrimental to a person’s health and well-being. Although both phobias and addictions can be difficult to expel, through extinction, a process of removing the reinforcer, it can be completed (Cherry, n.d.). This essay will explore classical conditioning phobias and operant conditioning addictions and the remedy through extinction for both. Phobias Through Classical Conditioning According to Merriam-Webster Online (n.d.) phobias are: : an exaggerated usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object. This makes perfect sense considering how a phobia is developed. Classical conditioning is a learning style that associates something (sound, smell, etc.) that historically would have not been corresponded with it. A phobia is likely to be developed through an association to fear. As an example, in the 1920’s John Watson and Rosalie Rayner performed experiments on a 9-month baby, Little Albert, that paired a harmless item, such as a white bunny or white rate with a sound that frightened the baby (Kowalski & Westen, 2011)....
Words: 889 - Pages: 4
...and addictions are usually seen together because most people with an addition already had a phobia they may not have been aware of to begin with. To understand this they need to be broken down into both classical and operant conditioning and the effect each has on both phobias and addictions. Classical conditioning occurs when people learn to react to a stimulus in the environment whereas operant conditioning occurs when people react to a reward or punishment. The major difference between classical and operant conditioning lies in the nature of the response to a given stimulus. Addictions Addiction to anything comes from a persistent behavior that despite knowing it can have adverse consequences a person will continue this behavior. Most addictions start when someone has a pleasurable experience and wishes to continue or relive this experience. They will continue the behavior with little or no self-control even when it can become destructive. A person who is addicted will experience urges or cravings to engage in the behavior, which intensify until the he or she carries out the behavior again, usually experiencing relief, and elation (Grant, Potenza, Weinstein, &Gorelick, 2010). Addiction seeks immediate gratification of drives and impulses. Operant conditioning focuses on behavior that is voluntary such as gambling where this behavior is done for a reward. Sex addiction is a behavior pattern that depends on various forms of sexual expression to cope with the stresses...
Words: 1242 - Pages: 5
...about being under water"; "a phobia of germs.” An addiction is the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity. Phobias and addictions are related to classical and operant conditioning. Phobias and addictions are two emotional difficulties, which theorists can account for. Phobias can be acquired through classical conditioning by pairing a neutral stimulus with something that causes pain. Phobia responses can be permanent unless the organism is subjected to the extinction process. In the extinction process, one must confront the fear without the presence of the unconditioned stimulus. For example, in Watson’s experiment, Little Albert developed a phobia of white rats (and other furry objects) as a result of pairing the white rat with a loud bang. The phobia could have been extinguished by repeatedly exposing Little Albert to the white rat without the loud bang. Another way to extinguish a phobia is through counter conditioning. In counter conditioning, the conditioned stimulus is paired with a pleasant stimulus. Little Albert could have extinguished his phobia of the white rat by pairing it with something pleasant (e.g., food, praise) ("Phobias,” 2010). Ivan Pavlov is known for his theory of classical conditioning. This can be thought of as a reaction learned through the pairing of stimuli (motivations). During his study of dogs, Pavlov noted that when dog food is presented, the dogs begin to salivate...
Words: 965 - Pages: 4
...Learning and conditioning is based on science because the definition of science is knowledge about or study of the natural world based on facts learned through experiments and observation. There were many experiments and observations made during operant and classical conditioning research. The idea of classical conditioning was first brought to us by a Russian physiologist named Ivan Pavlov. It involves placing a neutral stimulus before a reflex and tends to focus more on involuntary behaviors. We associate two stimuli and then anticipate a response. We expect and prepare for pain. In classical conditioning, the first stage is acquisition, second is extinction, and third is spontaneous recovery. During acquisition an unconditioned stimulus produces an unconditioned response in an organism. Which means the stimulus provoked a behavior not yet learned by the organism. Extinction is when the stimulus no longer produces a response from the organism because it has been exposed to it numerous times. Spontaneous recovery is when the conditioned response reappears after a rest period. Similar stimuli can trigger responses in this stage....
Words: 645 - Pages: 3
...Introduction to Classical Conditioning Classical conditioning is a type of learning that had a major influence on the school of thought in psychology known as behaviorism. Discovered by Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov, classical conditioning is a learning process that occurs through associations between an environmental stimulus and a naturally occurring stimulus. Behaviorism is based on the assumption that learning occurs through interactions with the environment. Two other assumptions of this theory are that the environment shapes behavior and that taking internal mental states such as thoughts, feelings, and emotions into consideration is useless in explaining behavior. It's important to note that classical conditioning involves placing a neutral signal before a naturally occurring reflex. In Pavlov's classic experiment with dogs, the neutral signal was the sound of a tone and the naturally occurring reflex was salivating in response to food. By associating the neutral stimulus with the environmental stimulus (the presentation of food), the sound of the tone alone could produce the salivation response. In order to understand how more about how classical conditioning works, it is important to be familiar with the basic principles of the process. The Unconditioned Stimulus The unconditioned stimulus is one that unconditionally, naturally, and automatically triggers a response. For example, when you smell one of your favorite foods, you may immediately feel very hungry...
Words: 1123 - Pages: 5
...addictions should be fragmented into two groups of conditioning with the effects each partakes on an individual: classical and operant conditioning. Classical conditioning occurs when an individual discovers how to respond to a stimulus in their atmosphere. Operant conditioning is when one responds to a reward or penalty. The foremost difference between classical and operant conditioning is the response and a stimulus, which can lead to addictions and phobias. Addictions An addiction is a determined behavior in wanting and needing something. Most know it can have unsympathetic consequences, but the individual will continue this behavior because of the addictions. Furthermore, the majority of addictions start with a satisfying involvement with something and desires to prolong or recreate the act. The addictive individual will endure the behavior with very little, if any self-discipline, even when it can become damaging or has already taken over their body. A person who is addicted will familiarize with desires and cravings to connect with the behavior and this need will build up, until the behavior kicks in again, typically feeling relief, and ecstasy (Grant, Potenza, Weinstein, & Gorelick, 2010). Additionally, operant conditioning is controlled by the environment using reinforcement or punishment toward good or bad behavior. Addictions strive for instant gratification from ones drives and impulses. Operant conditioning focuses on behavior that is voluntary and there...
Words: 1483 - Pages: 6
...between phobias, addictions and types of conditioning, it is important to first define and examine the differences between classical conditioning and operant conditioning. According to the Free Dictionary (2014), classical conditioning is defined as “A process of behavior modification by which a subject comes to respond in a desired manner to a previously neutral stimulus that has been repeatedly presented along with an unconditioned stimulus that elicits the desired response.” Operant conditioning however is defined by Mirriam-Webster.com (2014) as “conditioning in which the desired behavior or increasingly closer approximations to it are followed by a rewarding or reinforcing stimulus.” The important distinction between the two is that classical conditioning relies on neutral stimulus, where operant conditioning uses positive or negative reinforcement, rewards, or punishment to achieve results. Following from the definition of classical conditioning and working forward, one can see how phobias can be developed through classical conditioning. Since classical conditioning uses a neutral stimulus paired with an unconditioned response it is rather simple for the neutral stimulus to be something that initiates a sense of fear into the subject. Through this manner of bringing on fear in a subject, it is a small leap forward into the realm of phobias. This onset of a phobia, or irrational fear, was demonstrated in the 1920 “Little Albert” experiments conducted by Watson and Rayner...
Words: 602 - Pages: 3
