Question

Describe Pavlov’s dog experiments as an example of classical conditioning.

Short answer

Pavlov's dog experiments are associated with generating a classical conditioning response as compared to an unconditioned response.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Definition of classical conditioning

Classical conditioning links a response called the conditioned response to a stimulus called the conditioned stimulus that it had not previously been linked to. Contrary to conditioned responses, unconditioned responses occur in response to unconditioned stimuli.

Step 2.  Pavlov’s dog experiments 

Ivan Pavlov's experiments

Pavlov's tests revealed that the conditioned reaction of dogs to the unconditioned stimulus of seeing or smelling their food was salivation. According to the researchers, the ringing of the bell functioned as the conditioning stimulus for the unconditioned reflex. During the conditioning procedure, the bell was rung every time the dog was given food. This happened in several experiments. The dog gradually learned to identify the ringing of the bell with the presence of food and to respond to it.

Even when the unconditioned stimuli, food, were not present when the bell was rung after the conditioning phase was over, the dog would salivate. The ringing of the bell served as the conditioned stimulus, while salivation served as the conditioned response.