And that’s the difference between classical conditioning (the dogs being trained to sensory input by Pavlov) and operant conditioning (Pavlov training himself through his own behavior).
Also good example of “closed systems” not existing outside of theory.
I really wish this aspect was considered more often in pop sci discussions.
both are classical
Wow that was a interesting wiki hole that lead me up to this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extinction_(psychology)
yep that’s the principle behind exposure therapy, particularly as a treatment for OCD and PTSD
If I’m not mistaken, operant conditioning takes place either through reinforcement or punishment. How does that play in here?
While it’s certainly possible that Pavlov ended up ‘doing’ operant conditioning on himself, I think something different is going on here. I think Pavlov is a victim of humanity’s language capabilities: we do not only link concepts on one direction (dogs -> bell) but do so bidirectionally (dogs <-> bell). There is a whole line of research that goes into how associations (which are the ones in classical and operant conditioning) are not the same as relations (which are the ones that we humans are proficient at, blessed with, and cursed with).
