Classical_Conditioning

ABSTRACT Classical and Operant conditioning are two learning processes that we use through our daily lives. Classical conditioning is shown by when a neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus to get a conditioned response and can indeed cause phobias. Phobias are an intense or irrational fear and the avoidance of a specific object or situation (Huffman, 2008). Operant conditioning is the formation of an association between a behavior and a consequence, which can cause addiction. Addictions are not only in the intake of substances but can range in many different categories. An addiction is something that gives you a feeling of pleasure. Researchers such as Ivan Pavlov and Edward Thorndike have researched and given findings how each condition work and respond by the study of humans and also animals. Both classical and Operant conditioning has a similarity called extinction. Extinction can be developed by conditioned response or behavior decreasing, but this does not mean it is erased completely (Anzctak, 2011). Classical and Operant Conditioning related to Phobias and Addiction Classical conditioning and Operant conditioning are two different learning processes which are used in our everyday lives. Classical conditioning is when a neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus to get a conditioned response; this in fact can cause phobias. Operant Conditioning is where there is voluntary response but is controlled by consequences. Through operant conditioning addiction can be developed. Although classical conditioning and operant conditioning has differences, both have a similarity which is call extinction. Phobias are an intense or irrational fear and the avoidance of a specific object or situation (Huffman, 2008). Classical conditioning was demonstrated and researched by psychologist Ivan Pavlov. Pavlov studied the use of a bell with food and pairing it with feeding time for dogs. The dogs were conditioned to learn that once the bell rang it was time for them to eat. But on the other hand even when a bell would ring the dogs will begin to salivate even when it was not feeding time (Kowalski, & Westen, 2011). This can relate to the development of phobias throughout a person’s lifetime. For example, if someone has a car accident with an eighteen wheeler truck on the highway; moving forward the person may not want to drive on the highway any longer or gets scared when riding in a car next to an eighteen wheeler. Now that there has been has a bad a experience while driving unfortunately you are now conditioned to be scared while driving by the eighteen wheeler on the highway. Also there are the classical conditioned phobias that are exaggerated or an irrational fear for a object or situation (Huffman, 2008). Phobias can sometime be exaggerated such as a person’s fear of insects. Seeing an insect then screaming or taking off running thinking that a insect may be on them is an exaggerated response. Although the insect may not be near you the unconditioned response would be automatically be to scream or run. This is not something is done forcefully; it is all an involuntary action. Classical conditioning is involuntary; it is a natural response that you do not have to think about. An addiction is a term used to describe a compulsion to use a specific drug or engage in a certain activity (Huffman, 2008). Most relate the word addiction to drugs or alcohol but an addition can go far beyond just substance abuse to the body. Other addictions can be those that are addicted to watching T.V, physical exercises, internet, shopping and even gambling. All these things are done in people’s lives and it helps them to feel the ease of pain or relief of stress (Huffman, 2008). For example when in taking an ample amount of alcohol into your body, you are using both the satisfying and pain modes to operant conditioning (Anzctak, 2011). Your body may feel satisfied while you are drinking the alcohol but the pain comes after you now have to withdraw from the substance. Usually an addict will try to do the same addiction over and over again but try to find way to avoid the negative response or consequence of the addiction. Addictions are carried out in everyday lives because they may feel it is a way out or comfort although it may be a short period of time. Operant conditioning is a an voluntary act, you have to think about the substance you are taking into your body and aware of the consequences or punishment it may have on your body but you cannot stop the need to use. Classical conditioning and operant conditioning are both learning processes. Classical conditioning was discovered by Ivan Pavlov and also researched by John B. Watson. It was accidently discovered as Pavlov was researching the subject of digestion. Pavlov finding shows that that we develop responses to certain stimuli that are not naturally occurring (Kowalski, & Westen, 2011). For example the cringe at the sound of a dentist drill or when we touch a hot stove, our reflex pulls our hand back. It does this instinctually, no learning involved. Operant Conditioning was researched by Edward Thorndike and B.f. Skinner. Operant conditioning is another learning process which is defined how we respond to what is presented to us in our environment. It can be thought of as learning due to the natural consequences of our actions (Kowalski, & Westen, 2011). For example if you made a mistake and received a consequence o r punishment if the situation occurs again you will most likely remember that mistake and do things differently when the situation comes up again. In that sense, you’ve learned to act differently based on the natural consequences of your previous actions. Extinction is defined as, the gradual weakening of a conditioned response that results in the behavior decreasing or disappearing (Cherry, 2011). Extinction is a similarity that exists in both classical and operant conditioning. Extinction in classical conditioning happens when a conditioned stimulus is no longer paired with an unconditioned stimulus. Extinction in operant conditioning can occur if the trained behavior is no longer reinforced or if the type of reinforcement used is no longer rewarding (Kowalski, & Westen, 2011). In both the classical and operant condition the extinction is when the response to a behavior is reduced and the person is not responding to the stimulus anymore. Example of extinction in classical conditioning: If the smell of food had been paired with the sound of a bell, it would eventually have a response of hunger. But if the smell of food was no longer paired with the sound of the bell, then the response of hunger would eventually disappear (Cherry, 2011). In operant conditioning an example would be: A teacher has been using positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior in her classroom. When a student raises his or her hand instead of shouting out the answers, the teacher rewards the student with a fruit-flavored candy. After several days of this, the children become sick of the candy, and stop raising their hands. Because (Cherry, 2011). Although there may no longer be a response doesn’t mean that it is completely erased. In Pavlov research, several hours or even days to elapse after a response has been extinguished can result in spontaneous recovery of the response. Spontaneous recovery refers to the sudden reappearance of a previously extinct response (Kowalski, & Westen, 2011). In conclusion the development of phobias can be shown through classical conditioning when a frightening event happens simultaneously with another event. This can also be seen in the development of addictions through operant conditioning when a user learns that taking a chemical substance or performing certain acts will lead to temporary pleasure or prevent pain (Anzctak, 2011). Through both types of conditioning classical and operant can be reinforced or punished. Extinction is a similarity that is shown in both classical conditioning as well as operant conditioning when the conditioned response or behavior gradually decreases over time.