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Classical Conditioning
Classical conditioning is an element of human learning discovered by Pavlov. It entails learning from the environment. This means that learning entails several aspects other than imparting loads of information in our brains. Classical conditioning is crucial since it can be used to explain every aspect of human psychology. This discussion focuses on a critical review of classical conditioning by Pavlov.
The most interesting thing I learned from the tutorials is that stimulus and response happen naturally. This means we have no control over them, but they have a significant impact on our learning. Most importantly, is that our perception designs the kind of response we give to a stimulus. When a neutral stimulus does not signify the desired event, our bodies’ initial response is reversed. This signifies an important lesson in learning. In a sense, learning not only entails imparting loads of information in our brains but also unconditioned responses from a stimulus. Most importantly, I have learned from the tutorials that it is easy to condition and train animals and humans with the right stimulus to expect the desired outcome.
The process of classical conditioning can be used to explain all aspects of human psychology. John Watson proposed this assertion based on Pavlov’s observations. (Zhang, Hang, et al. np). All aspects of human psychology, starting with speech, attitude, and many more others, result from patterns of stimulus and response. Most importantly, I was intrigued by the fact that the mind and consciousness may not control all aspects of human behavior. As Watson depicted, these aspects arise from different experiences of learning humans go through. This was the most interesting thing I learned.
The most significant objective here is the aspect of human learning from the environment. In many instances, people have believed that learning entails imparting loads of information in our brains. That is the reason why formal education is mostly emphasized. What people do not understand is that life events offer the most lessons people need in their lives. This means that the environment and experiences individuals go through play a significant role in designing their lessons. Therefore, we all must embrace learning from the environment.
Another learning objective from the chapter regards conditioning our responses. In a sense, complex or extreme behaviors are broken down into smaller stimulus-response units of behavior. Therefore, breaking complex behavior, we can understand the causes of some of the human behavior. (Zhang, Hang, et al. np). In a sense, this breakdown of human behavior will enable individuals to understand why certain people act the way they do. Furthermore, it helps design a rightful response that will avert the complex behaviors exhibited by some people.
Assignment 2
Case Description
I remember one time my younger sister had volunteered to address a family gathering. She was an aspiring public speaker. As such, she asked for a chance to practice her skills with the family members. I helped her choose the topic she was to address and even helped her with practicing. She did pretty well in practicing for almost three weeks before the family gathering. On that day, as she stood up and addressed the family, I realized she was nervous. She was sweating, and her pulse seemed to have increased. I asked her to take a deep breath, of which she did and delivered an amazing speech.
Psychological Implication
In this case, my younger sister experienced: fight or flight”. This is discussed vividly in chapter 2. It entails body reaction towards some sort of stressor or stimulus. In this case scenario, my sister’s sympathetic and parasympathetic systems got activated due to fear and anxiety of addressing a family gathering for the first time. This activation of sympathetic nerves leads to accelerated pulse rate, therefore contributing to nervousness and sweating. When she was done with giving the speech, her parasympathetic systems arose, making her body relaxed. Such situations can happen in various circumstances. It can happen when an individual perceives danger or when about to address individuals. Such a reaction prepares the body for some action to take place.
Works Cited
Zhang, Hang, et al. “Pavlovian Materials—Functional Biomimetics Inspired by Classical Conditioning.” Advanced Materials (2020): 1906619.