The Pros And Cons Of Classical Conditioning

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Created by Petrovich Pavlor, Classical Conditioning is a theory that was based on investigations and observations on dogs. In simple words, classical conditioning is a theory used to disclose how some behaviors in people are learned. The theory also offers a possible solution to change an earlier learned behavior change or modify that behavior. The theory also helps develop new behaviors like potty training or teaching a dog new tricks. In the real essence, classical conditioning as completely changed the way science viewed behavior. It has proved that any behavior can be modified or changed.
Classical conditioning consists of unconditioned response (UR), unconditioned stimulus (US) and conditioned stimuli (CS) (Olson & Hergenhahn, 2009). …show more content…

The story that follows is of my neighbor Katy, who trained her twins how to use the potty. Potty training a child is a complicated affair and most times difficult. The use of classical conditioning can help a child learn how to use the toilet, bowel and bladder control. In this case, operant conditioning can also be used. Both conditioning practicalities can be equally rewarding and assist with modification of behavior highly needed to potty train children. Operant conditioning can have both positive and negative consequences. If the toddlers are to get punished for wetting their big girl panties, then stickers were introduced when the girls have an accident. The stickers here are the positive aspect being added, and when they are taken away, it represents the negative. In this case Katy wants to encourage her twins to use the toilet, the stickers won’t be taken away. Katy believes that charting the events on how the girls are progressing will encourage them to use the toilet. Eventually, when the stickers are taken away combined with positive verbal reassurance then the girls would continue using the toilet with little to no accidents eventually. The ultimate goal is to have the girls use the potty without any need of