The field of psychology is constantly evolving, and scientists are finding new topics for research. One of the interesting and ambiguous phenomena is the so-called “experimental psychosis”, a relatively new concept in modern psychology. There are still many rumors surrounding this phenomenon, so there is no clear definition and no consensus among experts. Experimental psychosis is a disorder of nervous activity obtained during an experiment to train a dog through irregular influences of external factors on the animal, which also depends on the relevant theory of Pavlov.
Approaches to the Study of Experimental Neurosis: The Concept Value of Experimental Neurosis
It is essential to note that experimental neurosis is a specific phenomenon in psychology. Initially, this condition was described by Pavlov as such, characterized by behavioral disorders and the impossibility of developing old reflexes. This paradigm has been repeatedly criticized because such neuroses are simple situational reactions of fear or anxiety (Koch, 2019). However, when exposed to painful stimuli, the nervous system is overexerted, leading to neurotic responses. Experimental neurosis is an unstable state of the body, which is artificially caused in laboratory conditions and leads to irritability.
The Shenger-Krestovnikova Experiment on Dogs
The Shenger-Krestovnikova experiment is a way of producing experimental neurosis that has been conducted on dogs. The essence of the investigation was that the animal had to learn to distinguish a circle from an ellipse, and the right decision was rewarded with a treat. Gradually, scientists began to change the shape of the ellipse so that it was almost impossible to distinguish it from the circle. After a while, the animal’s ability to distinguish deteriorated and disappeared completely, even when shown the original figures (Zwart, 2022). The dog reacted with irritation to the appearance of figures and behaved unpredictably, trying to avoid a return to the experiment. Thus, Shenger-Krestovnikova created the conditions for the formation of experimental neurosis in the animal, which changed its perception of surrounding objects.
Relevance and Features of Pavlov’s Theory
Speaking about the theory of Pavlov’s temperament, I can conclude that it has a right to exist in the modern world, as it does not lose its relevance. In this context, it is possible to trace the relationship between a person’s nervous system and his type of temperament, which is determined by its essence by the reaction to external stimuli. The temperament type is determined by how the properties of the nervous system work and how active they are in general. Based on an experiment with dogs, Pavlov traced that different animals experienced an agitated state differently, so the theory of varying temperament types explains this phenomenon (Honey et al., 2016). In addition to psychological components, the most crucial role in determining the kind of temperament is played by neurotic reactions of the body, and their strength determines the body’s predisposition to neurosis. As of today, Pavlov was able to create a theory that remains relevant and has no worthy competitors.
In conclusion, experimental neurosis is an interesting case to consider from the point of view of psychology, as the results can better understand the functioning of the human psyche. It can be defined as a state of extreme irritability against the irregular influence of external factors. In the end, this leads to a sudden and unexpected reaction of the organism, whose psyche ceases to control the situation. The Shenger-Krestovnikova experiment on dogs showed that the brain could eventually perceive its surroundings distortedly if constantly exposed to irritants. In this situation, Pavlov’s theory about temperament types can be related to the experiment, which asserts that the way of reacting in a nervous state depends on differences in temperament. This theory is still popular and studied by psychologists and psychiatrists, but I consider it relevant and interesting.
References
Honey, P., Powell, R., & Symbaluk, D. G. (2016). Introduction to learning and behavior (5th ed.). CENGAGE Learning Custom Publishing.
Koch, U. (2019). The uses of trauma in the experiment: Traumatic stress and the history of experimental neurosis, c. 1925-1975. Science in Context, 32(3), 327–351. Web.
Zwart, H. (2022). Continental Philosophy of Technoscience. Springer Nature.