Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 5: Problem 3

If fears can be classically conditioned, do you think that classical conditioning could also be used to decondition a person? If so, how?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Yes, classical conditioning can be used to decondition a person. This would typically involve repeated exposure to the conditioned stimulus (e.g. the sight of a dog for someone with a fear of dogs) without the unconditioned stimulus (the traumatic event, such as being bitten by a dog), until the conditioned stimulus no longer elicits the conditioned response (fear).

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning is a learning process in which an existing involuntary response is associated with a new stimulus. The new stimulus is presented at the same time as another stimulus that already causes the response. After repeated pairing, the new stimulus can cause the response on its own.
02

Fears and Classical Conditioning

Fears can indeed be classically conditioned. For instance, if a person was bitten by a dog as a child (unconditioned stimulus), they might develop a fear of dogs (conditioned response). This response can be triggered every time the person sees a dog (conditioned stimulus).
03

Deconditioning and Classical Conditioning

Yes, classical conditioning can also be used to decondition a conditioned response. This process generally involves repeated presentation of the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus until the conditioned stimulus no longer elicits the conditioned response. For instance, for someone afraid of dogs, this could be accomplished by repeated exposure to dogs in a safe and controlled environment (exposure therapy), until the sight of a dog no longer induces fear.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Using the terms of classical conditioning, what were the UCS, UCR, CS, and CR in the Watson and Rayner study with Little Albert?

Using the terms of classical conditioning, provide an example of how advertisers might use classical conditioning to facilitate the creation of positive emotions toward particular products.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Psychology Textbooks

Issues and Debates in Psychology

Read Explanation

Research Methods in Psychology

Read Explanation

Individual Differences Psychology

Read Explanation

Health Psychology

Read Explanation

Relationships

Read Explanation

Eating Behaviour

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free