Classical conditioning is considered to be the learning model based on dogs’ experiments conducted by Pavlov. This associative learning form is based on the neutral stimulus presentation; the theory includes several forms, such as eyeblink conditioning, fear conditioning, and Hermissenda crassicomis. The basic experiment of Pavlov was based on measuring the dogs’ salivary response by giving them food. He investigated the process of dogs’ learning to associate the sound; the experiment appeared to be the start to the development of learning theory through the psychological methodology. (Gormezano, and Prokasy, 1997)
Classical conditioning theory is the basis for dogs’ trainers, by means of which they can reach the following goals:
- To reach effective training of autonomic responses without no special natural stimuli used for this;
- Creating a kind of association between the stimuli affecting the animal and the one which does not.
It is necessary to stress that the experiment developed by Pavlov is concentrated on the following principal elements, such as conditioned and unconditioned stimuli, conditioned and unconditioned reflex. The conditioned stimulus is the one that is concentrated on the learning process creating no response without any prior conditioning; while the unconditioned stimulus requires no prior conditioning or learning, causing the automatic reflex response. Taking into account conditioned reflex characteristics, it is necessary to stress that it is evoked as a response to a previously neutral stimulus; as to unconditioned reflex, it happens automatically. (Olson, and Hergenhahn, 2006)
Classical conditioning theory can be used in practice; for example, the method can become an important element of the education system, helping to create a conducive learning environment contributing to students’ overcome of fear and anxiety. This model can be used by combining the presentation of the anxiety-provoking situation and pleasant learning environment in front of the whole group; such a step will give an opportunity to receive new associations contributing to fear overcoming.
The analysis of classical conditioning theory demonstrated that fact that its psychological interference gives an opportunity to stick to its usage not only in dogs’ training but in the social sphere. It should be noted that the beauty of the theory developed by Pavlov lies in its simplicity to understand and apply in practice; besides, its efficiency has been proved many times. One should note the classical conditioning theory can be considered as one of the most successful psychological experiments contributing to the formation of learning associative models. (Woodruf-Pak, 2000).
References
Gormezano, I. and Prokasy, W. (1997). Classical conditioning. 3rd Edition. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Olson, M. and Hergenhahn, B. (2006). Introduction to Theories of Learning. 7th edition, Pearson Prentice Hall.
Woodruf-Pak, D. (2000). Eyeblink classical conditioning. Springer.