What is classical conditioning?

Classical conditioning pairs a neutral stimulus with a stimulus that already triggers a natural response. Repeated pairing means the neutral stimulus alone comes to trigger the response.

Describe Pavlov's experiment on classical conditioning.

Pavlov rang a bell each time dogs were given food, which made them salivate. Eventually the bell alone made the dogs salivate.

In Pavlov's experiment, identify the unconditioned stimulus, the conditioned stimulus and the conditioned response.

The food was the unconditioned stimulus, producing salivation as the unconditioned response. The bell became the conditioned stimulus, and salivation to the bell was the conditioned response.

How can classical conditioning help a performer control nerves?

A performer can link a cue word or a deep breath with feeling calm through repeated pairing in training. The cue then triggers relaxation before a penalty or a serve.

How can a coach's whistle act as a conditioned stimulus in training?

The whistle is repeatedly paired with stopping and gathering round the coach. Players learn to stop the moment they hear it, without thinking.

Edexcel A-Level Physical Education 9PE0

The Musculo-Skeletal System

Topic overview Muscles, bones and movements of the upper body Muscles, bones and movements of the lower body and trunk Contraction types and the stretch-shortening cycle Muscle roles and the acute response to a warm-up

Levers, Newton's Laws and Stability

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The Respiratory System

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The Cardiovascular System

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Adaptations to Training

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Energy Systems

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Learning Theories

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Participation and the Health of the Nation

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Learning Theories

Classical and operant conditioning

3 things to know
Component 2

Overview

Associative theories, Pavlov's classical conditioning and its stimuli, controlling nerves and the coach's whistle, Skinner's operant conditioning, shaping, the difference between the two, and the dangers of trial and error.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Process

How do associative theories explain learning, and how does classical conditioning work?

Evaluation

What are the strengths and dangers of learning sports skills by operant conditioning and trial and error?

Key term

How do associative theories explain learning?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
How do associative theories explain learning?
Model answer
Associative theories explain learning as a connection formed between a stimulus and a response. The connection is called the stimulus–response, or S-R, bond.
2
What is classical conditioning?
Model answer
Classical conditioning pairs a neutral stimulus with a stimulus that already triggers a natural response. Repeated pairing means the neutral stimulus alone comes to trigger the response.
3
Describe Pavlov's experiment on classical conditioning.
Model answer
Pavlov rang a bell each time dogs were given food, which made them salivate. Eventually the bell alone made the dogs salivate.
4
In Pavlov's experiment, identify the unconditioned stimulus, the conditioned stimulus and the conditioned response.
Model answer
The food was the unconditioned stimulus, producing salivation as the unconditioned response. The bell became the conditioned stimulus, and salivation to the bell was the conditioned response.
5
How can classical conditioning help a performer control nerves?
Model answer
A performer can link a cue word or a deep breath with feeling calm through repeated pairing in training. The cue then triggers relaxation before a penalty or a serve.
6
How can a coach's whistle act as a conditioned stimulus in training?
Model answer
The whistle is repeatedly paired with stopping and gathering round the coach. Players learn to stop the moment they hear it, without thinking.

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