This will be our very last blog entry for PSY 1001 and I must admit, it is a bit heartbreaking to know that the school year is almost to its end (which means I am that much closer to having to declare a major--yikes!). We are asked to write about a concept in psychology that we think we will remember five years from now and why. Though it's difficult for me to choose just one thing (since everything we talked about this semester was so interesting that I doubt I will forget about any of it) one of these things that has surely engraved its self in my mind is the concept of classical conditioning.
This is one of the most basic fundamental concepts of psychology but also one of the most intriguing, in my opinion. It can be used to train animals for anything from lifesaving purposes to childish entertainment. It also shows some of the more basic functions that go on in the human mind, giving us a more simple idea that we can completely grasp as opposed to some of the more complicated things that are not yet entirely understood.
In addition to the concept itself, the way it developed was a good example of how many scientific discoveries arise-- through testing of theories, a few accidents that expand on the knowledge and lots of research.
Between it being a basic fundamental idea of psychology, as well as something I could perhaps attempt someday, I doubt that 5 years from now I will forget what classical conditioning is.
I agree! Classical conditioning is a concept that almost everyone understands yet it wasn't until PSY 1001 that I knew there was a name for it! An awesome concept that can be used for the greater good. And I have to admit it is a lot more entertaining to talk about what you can classically condition animals to do than discussing personality disorders.