IGNOU : M.COM : MCO 1 : UNIT 5 : Q - 3. Critically examine the classical conditioning theory of learning.

Ans. Classical Conditioning

You must be aware about the stimulus and response. In classical conditioning, learning takes place through the connection between unconditioned stimulus and conditioned stimulus. These two stimuli are paired to elicit the desired response. Let us take an example of food which elicits the response of salivation. The food is termed as unconditioned stimulus and the salivation is known as unconditioned response. A conditioned stimulus is a mental stimulus that does not elicit the response. A response which is elicited by the conditioned stimulus is termed as conditioned response. When conditioned stimulus is paired with unconditioned stimulus, the conditioned stimulus also starts eliciting the response. In this process a stimulus – response bond is developed between a conditioned stimulus and a conditioned response through the repeated linking of a conditioned stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus.

Pavlov conducted this experiment on the dog. He presented the food to the dog and the dog salivated. Here the food is the unconditioned stimulus and the salivation of the dog is the unconditioned response. Pavlov used a bell as conditioned stimulus. When he rang the bell, the dog did not do any thing. Pavlov started paring of the conditioned stimulus (bell) with the unconditioned stimulus (food). He presented the food to the dog and rung the bell. This was repeated several times. After some time, he found that the bell also elicited the same response as the food. Here the conditioned stimulus (bell) elicited the response of salivation even when the unconditioned stimulus (food) was not present. He rings the bell and the dog salivates without the presentation of food as well. Thus the dog learnt the ringing of the bell with the salivation. The focus of this theory is building up an association between an unconditioned stimulus and a conditioned stimulus.

The training of airplane pilot regarding the use of a newly installed warning system is a good example of classical conditioning. In this training, whenever the plane drops below critical altitudes, the warning light is shown and the pilot increases the plane’s altitude. Over the period, the pilot learns to adjust the plane’s altitude in response to the warning light without the presence of the trainer.

This theory has been criticised on the ground that it considers the learner as a passive element. The learner notices the connection between the unconditioned stimulus and the conditioned stimulus and forms an association. Another noticeable point is that it explains the simple reflexive behaviour. In most of the organisation, people are not passive; they are actively involved in executing their behaviour. Moreover, behaviours are also not elicited, they are emitted. These behaviours are under worker’s control. Despite these limitations, the principles of association, as an important phenomenon of learning can not be undermined.