Classical Conditioning Case Study
Make sure you have read through the chapter on learning, especially the content on classical conditioning.
Before you write your paper, conduct this simple experiment on classical conditioning.
- You will need a bell (a set of keys works too, a hand-held mirror, and a room that becomes completely dark when the light is turned off. Hold the bell while standing in the room near the light switch. Once in position, ring the bell and then immediately turn off the light. Wait in total darkness for 15 seconds, then turn the light on. Wait another 15 seconds with the light on, then ring the bell and immediately turn the light off again, waiting another 15 seconds in the dark.
- Repeat this procedure 20 to 30 times, making sure that in each case the bell is rung immediately before the light is turned off. Now, with the light on, watch your eyes closely in the mirror and then ring the bell. Your pupils should dilate slightly even without a change in light!
Cover the following items in your paper:
- Share your experience with this experiment.
- Identify the neutral stimulus (NS), the unconditioned stimulus (US), the unconditioned response (UR), the conditioned stimulus (CS), and the conditioned response (CR). (You must identify these five elements to receive full credit.)
- Identify two to three real-life examples of classical conditioning that you are aware of in your life.
This paper should be one to two pages, double-spaced, and written in proper APA or Chicago/Turabian format. In addition to the minimum page count (i.e., one page and one line minimum), you should also include a cover page and a reference page in APA or Chicago/Turabian format if outside sources were used (please note using outsides sources is not a requirement in this paper).
