IB Learning Theories

​ Classical conditioning is a form of learning in which a previously ​ (a)   stimulus becomes associated with a stimulus that naturally produces a response, so that the neutral stimulus eventually triggers the same response on its own. First demonstrated by Ivan ​ (b)   in his experiments with ​ (c)   , the process involves repeatedly pairing a neutral stimulus (such as a bell) with an ​ (d)   stimulus (such as food) that naturally elicits an unconditioned response (salivation). Over time, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus, producing a ​ (e)   response similar to the original unconditioned response. This type of learning explains how associations form between events in our environment and is fundamental to understanding phenomena such as phobias, taste aversions, and certain advertising strategies.

• neutral
• innate
• Pavlov
• Skinner
• dogs
• pigeons
• unconditioned
• conditioned
• rienfoced

Match the following

• Stimulus that initially has no response

• Neutral Stimulus (NS)

• The NS after learning

• Unconditioned Response (UCR)

• A stimulus that natural

• Conditioned Response (CR)

• The unlearned, natural reaction

• Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

• The learned reaction to the conditioned

• Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

Match the following

• salivation in response to the bell

• Neutral Stimulus (NS)

• salivation in response to the food

• Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

• bell

• Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

• food

• Conditioned Response (CR)

• bell after learning

• Unconditioned Response (UCR)

Which of the following are true of counterconditioning?

• It involves pairing a conditioned stimulus with a new response.

• It uses punishment to reduce the strength of a conditioned response.

• An application is in systematic desensitization for phobia treatment.

• It requires removing the unconditioned stimulus entirely from the learning process.

• E. It relies on extinction before any new learning can occur.

Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which (a)   is shaped and maintained by its . Developed by (b)   , it is based on the principle that behaviours followed by rewarding consequences are more likely to be repeated, while behaviours followed by punishment are less likely to occur. Skinner demonstrated this in his experiments using the “ (c)   ,” where animals such as rats or pigeons learned to press a lever or peck a key to receive food (a ​ (d)   ) or to avoid an unpleasant stimulus. Operant conditioning identifies different types of reinforcement and punishment, as well as ​ (e)   that affect how quickly and strongly behaviours are learned and maintained.

• behaviour
• B.F. Skinner
• Skinner box
• reward
• punishment
• Pavlov
• schedules

Match the following

• increasing a behavior by adding a reward

• negative punishment

• lowering behavior using aversive stimuli

• positive punishment

• removing something unpleasant

• positive rienforcement

• lowering behavior by taking away

• negative reinforcement

Match the following

• electric shock

• positive rienforcement

• food

• positive punishment

• taking away food

• negative punishment

• pressing a lever to stop electric shock

• negative reinforcement

Antabuse (disulfiram) is a medication used in the treatment of alcohol dependence. It works by blocking the enzyme that breaks down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. If alcohol is consumed while taking Antabuse, acetaldehyde builds up in the body, causing unpleasant reactions such as nausea, vomiting, flushing, and headaches. This creates a deterrent effect, discouraging the person from drinking. It is most effective when combined with counselling and support programs.

Antabuse is an example of ...

• positive reinforcement

• negative rienforcement

• positive punishment

• negative punishment

Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid used primarily in the treatment of opioid dependence, such as addiction to heroin or prescription painkillers. It works by binding to the same opioid receptors in the brain, preventing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings without producing the intense euphoria of the abused drug. This helps stabilise patients and allows them to engage in therapy and rehabilitation.

Methadone is an example of ...

• positive reinforcement

• negative rienforcement

• positive punishment

• negative punishment

Applications of learning theories to drugs like Antabuse and Methadone, relate to which context of the course?

• Learning and Cognition

• Mental Health and Well-Being

• Human Development

• Human Relationships