Psych 4.2 Reading Questions, 2025-26

Using the reading, explain how Pavlov’s experiment demonstrates the concept of classical conditioning.
a. Define classical conditioning using the reading’s explanation.
b. Describe how Pavlov’s use of the tone and food illustrates this concept.
c. Explain why the dog’s salivation to the tone is considered a learned response rather than a natural one.

Analyze how Pavlov’s ideas about learning contrast with John B. Watson’s approach to psychology.
a. Define behaviorism based on Watson’s view in the reading.
b. Describe one way Pavlov’s experiments supported Watson’s emphasis on observable behavior.
c. Discuss how today’s psychologists might agree or disagree with the idea that psychology should ignore mental processes.

Imagine you are teaching a friend about the difference between unconditioned and conditioned stimuli and responses.
a. Using examples from the reading, define the terms unconditioned stimulus (UCS) and conditioned stimulus (CS).
b. Provide examples of unconditioned response (UCR) and conditioned response (CR) from Pavlov’s experiments.
c. Create a new example (not in the reading) that demonstrates these four terms in a real-life situation.

Evaluate the importance of Pavlov’s objective method in studying behavior compared to relying on subjective thoughts or feelings.
a. Summarize why Pavlov avoided discussing what the dog might be “thinking or feeling.”
b. Explain how his objective measurement of saliva improved the scientific study of learning.
c. Argue whether this approach is still useful in psychology today, supporting your view with reasons.

Consider the five major conditioning processes Pavlov explored: acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, and discrimination.
a. Choose two of these processes and define them using what you learned from the reading or your prior knowledge.
b. Describe how each process might appear in the dog’s salivation experiment.
c. Analyze why understanding these processes is important for explaining how learning occurs over time.

Explain why Pavlov’s discovery of classical conditioning is considered foundational in psychology despite some of his ideas being “incomplete” today.
a. Define classical conditioning and summarize its importance according to the reading.
b. Identify one modern application of classical conditioning mentioned in the text.
c. Critically discuss why recognizing both the strengths and limitations of Pavlov’s work is important for current psychological research.

Imagine classical conditioning did not exist and psychologists relied solely on introspection to understand learning. Predict how this might have affected the development of psychology as a science.
a. Define introspection and its role before behaviorism, based on the reading.
b. Predict two challenges psychologists might have faced without Pavlov’s experimental approach.
c. Argue why classical conditioning helped psychology become a more objective and respected scientific discipline.

The reading states that Pavlov’s work showed how basic learning occurs in all organisms, including humans.
a. Restate this point using the terms “conditioned stimulus” and “conditioned response.”
b. Describe one example of how classical conditioning might influence everyday human behavior.
c. Reflect on how understanding classical conditioning could help people change unwanted habits or fears.