Chapter 10pdf
Chapter 10pdf
1. What went well/what new information have you learned (include terms with their brief
definitions? What insights have you gained from the chapter that helps you appreciate
the study of psychology more and helps you gain understanding of human behaviour?
(10 points)
The first thing I learned about in this chapter is that Ivan Pavlov, a physiologist,
pioneered classical conditioning, which explores how organisms associate neutral stimuli
(the conditioned stimulus, CS) with natural stimuli (the unconditioned, US) to elicit
behaviors (the unconditioned response, UR). This leads to the development of
conditioned responses (the conditioned response, CR). Writing this, made me have a
realization about that I've experienced classical conditioning in my entire life when the
commercial of mcdonalds always end with the tune that goes "pa para pa pam", I always
enjoyed listening to that since when I was a kid and till now. It always makes me crave
for their fries. Not even Ivan Pavlov can surpass the amount of classical conditioning my
parents conducted on us. My parents did the most classical conditioning since I was little.
They establish routines for us, such as bedtime and mealtime schedules. Through
repeated experiences, they are shaping us into what they believe to be the best behavior
for ourselves. I find it funny when my brother and I are still using our cellphones even
though its past our curfew, when we hear our parent's footsteps going towards our door,
we immediately hid our phones under our pillow and pretended to sleep.
Psychologist Edward Thorndike introduced the law of effect, suggesting that
reinforced responses are strengthened while punished responses weaken. B. F. Skinner
expanded on this to formulate the principles of operant conditioning. Positive
reinforcement encourages desired behaviors by presenting pleasant stimuli, while
negative reinforcement reduces unpleasant stimuli. Conversely, positive punishment
involves presenting unpleasant stimuli, and negative punishment removes pleasant
stimuli. I also learned that the Law of Effect provides insights into how behaviors are
influenced by their consequences, reinforcing certain actions and discouraging others.
Operant conditioning builds upon these principles, emphasizing reinforcement and
punishment as key factors in learning and behavior modification. Shape guides behavior
towards desired outcomes through reinforcement, which can be either partial or
continuous, depending on reinforcement schedules.
While classical and operant conditioning explain much of learning, insight and
latent learning are types of learning that are learned but not displayed yet. Observational
learning, where behaviors are acquired by observing others, plays a significant role in
learning complex behaviors.
2. Find at least 3 examples of advertisements that make use of classical conditioning
to create positive attitudes toward products.
The marketing techniques of numerous businesses, including the fragrance industry,
make use of classical conditioning. Brad Pitt and Keira Knightley are well-known for their
Chanel product endorsements. Customers associate Pitt and Knightley's great qualities
with the Chanel fragrance that they endorse. Due to the fact that both celebrities are
viewed as successful, appealing, and likeable, fans of them also associate similar
attributes with the Chanel aftershave and perfume that they support, which boosts sales
of the endorsed products. Additionally, the well-known McDonald's jingle, "I'm Lovin' It,"
demonstrates classical conditioning by linking a pleasant melody with joyful pictures of
people savoring their meal at McDonald's. The song sounds somewhat like "pa para pa
pam." Finally, Dove has successfully used classical conditioning into its marketing
campaigns, such as the "Real Beauty" one. This campaign emphasizes self-esteem and
body positivity for women by showcasing diverse beauty standards. By consistently
portraying women as confident and beautiful, Dove aims to link its products with feelings
of empowerment and self-assurance.
3. Should parents use both punishment as well as reinforcement to discipline their
children? On what principles of learning do you base your opinion?
Both, in my opinion, are helpful in disciplining their child; nevertheless, the use of
punishment must be considered carefully in order to reduce certain habits, and it should
not be influenced by one's upbringing or inheritance. But the best approach is to minimize
the use of punishment and emphasize positive reinforcement. By rewarding positive
behavior, strengthening the link between parent and child, and stimulating inner drive,
positive reinforcement helps promote good behavior. If discipline is necessary, it should
be applied gently and combined with opportunities for the kid to learn from their mistakes,
explanations, and redirections.
4. Think of a social dilemma other than one that has been discussed in this chapter, and
explain people’s behaviour in it in terms of principles of learning.
The chicken problem is another social conundrum that I think is humorous and
fascinating. A decision must be made by the two drivers in this scenario over whether to
change directions as they quickly approach one another. The best outcome is when both
drivers choose to reverse, protecting their safety and averting a collision. Drivers may
choose not to change their own direction, though, if they believe the other will do so and
they may "win" the scenario and prevent an accident. Operant conditioning principles
influence behavior in the chicken dilemma, where decision-making is greatly influenced
by the consequences. Positive reinforcement is given to the driver when they believe they
are "winning" by not swerving, which motivates them to carry out this conduct going
forward. However, swerving is perceived as weak, which reinforces the decision to not
swerve in order to prevent embarrassing situations and other undesirable results. These
processes have a significant impact on people's decisions in the chicken dilemma,
influencing whether or not they swerve. It brought to mind the gunfight scene from the
musical play "Hamilton," which has some parallels to the idea of a standoff or conflict.
Perceived rate: 40/40