Ivan Petrovich Pavlov - Research Paper Example

? Ivan Petrovich Pavlov Psychology and physiology are interconnected and its influence can be seen in growth and development of the same in general. Within this context, Ivan Petrovich Pavlov’s contribution to psychology is noteworthy because he was basically a physiologist by profession. The experiments conducted by Pavlov, based on digestive process, nervous system and autonomous functioning are widely accepted by physiologists and psychologists. Thesis statement: Ivan Petrovich Pavlov’s impact on psychology is noteworthy because he revolutionized the scenario of psychology by his theory of Classical Conditioning, contributions to Behaviorism, contributions to educational psychology, scientific experiments and other works (special references to his contributions to psychology). I. Ivan Pavlov's impact on psychology A. The theory of Classical Conditioning As a physiologist, Pavlov was deeply interested in digestive system, especially the process of digestion. The relationship between salivary secretion and psychic response that can be seen in animals forced Pavlov to learn more about stimulus and response (food and salivation). Within this context, Pavlov conducted a number of experiments and discovered the theory of Classical Conditioning. Saunders (2006), states that “Classical conditioning refers to involuntary physiological responses to stimuli such as salivation and sweating” (p.89). Pavlov made use of his dogs as a medium to conduct studies based upon stimulus and response and generalization became and easier task. Pavlov’s theory revolutionized the scenario of psychology and its different branches of study. For instance, the theory of Classical Conditioning is widely used in psychotherapy to provide treatment to the patients who are suffering from nervousness and phobias. To be specific, Pavlov’s discovery that some reflexes can be modified (say, conditioned) is applicable to educational psychology and psychotherapy. B. Ivan Pavlov and Behaviorism One can easily identify that the scenario of psychology during the first half of the 20th century underwent radical change. But the study of human mind and the factors which motivate behavioral change was still unknown. Within the context of psychology, Pavlov’s contribution to Behaviorism is noteworthy because his theories/ discoveries were based upon objective experimental methods. Weiten (2008), states that “The gradual emergence of behaviorism was partly attributable to an important discovery made around the turn of the century by Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist” (p.9). To be specific, Pavlov’ study was based upon a number of scientific processes like extinction, generalization and differentiation. So, the experimental methods adopted by Pavlov became the foundation of the growth and development of psychology. C. Educational psychology The concept/idea of Conditioned reflex formulated by Pavlov helped to learn more about the link between stimulus (motivation) and response (reaction). Salter (2002) opines that “Conditional reflexes in dogs - and what is more to the point, in human beings - do not involve volitional thinking” (p.2). One can see that the concept of Conditioned reflex is helpful to identify a number of learning disabilities in children. To be specific, the behavioral approach, which was deeply influenced by Pavlov, paved the way for the development of stimulus-response (S-R) psychology. D. Pavlov’s experiments As pointed out earlier, it is difficult to conduct scientific experiments related to human brain. When Pavlov made use of animals and birds to conduct experiments, the process became economical and easier. For instance, the theory of Classical Conditioning was based on a series of experiments conducted on animals. Kakkar (2004) makes clear that “Pavlov’s experiment on a dog illustrates how learning takes place through conditioning which is nothing but association brought by deliberate action” (p.51). This idea of making use of animals for experimental purposes was helpful to create productive output within limited time. Later, conducting experiments with the help of animals and birds became popular in the field of psychology. The most important contribution by Pavlov was his theory of Classical Conditioning because the same was adopted by the later behaviorists/ psychologists to conduct experiments related to human psychology. From a different angle of view, Pavlov’s expertise in the field of physiology helped him to connect the same with psychology and to inculcate experimental method in the field of human psychology. This is important to the development of psychology as a science because the functioning of human brain and its relationship with behavioral change in human beings are interconnected. So, one can easily identify that Pavlov’s theory of Classical Conditioning, contributions to Behaviorism, contributions to educational psychology and scientific experiments exerted positive impact on psychology and its different branches. II. Personal critique/review on Ivan Pavlov’s works From a different angle of view, Ivan Pavlov’s works cannot be limited to the spheres of physiology and psychology. To be specific, his works/ ideas/ theories deeply influenced other fields like popular culture and literature. For instance, the term ‘Pavlov’s dog’ is widely used in popular culture to denote someone who is not ready to react according to one’s ability to think critically. When one is not ready to think critically, one will began to react according to the stimulus. So, the usage of the term ‘Pavlov’s dog’ is relevant to an extent. On the other side, Aldous Huxley, the English writer was deeply influenced by the concept of conditioning formulated by Pavlov. For instance, Huxley made of the theory of Pavlovian conditioning in his novel, namely, Brave New World. Pavlov’s experiments were entirely different from other physiologists and psychologists. Pavlov made use of animate and inanimate objects to conduct experiments. For instance, Pavlov made use of dogs, pigeons, bells and whistles to conduct experiments. This proves that his interest in experimentation was not limited to the sphere of traditional modes of experimentation. Besides, his experiments were highly objective due to the experiment methodology used by him. Pavlov’s theory of Conditional reflex is used in medical surgery to collect saliva from patients (say, children). This proves that Pavlov’s theory of Conditional reflex can be applied to the field to medical surgery. The work of Digestive Glands, work by Pavlov published in the year 1897 was based on his own experiments on digestion. Pavlov worked hard for 12 years to complete this work. This proves his dedication to his profession and enthusiasm to develop his own theories. Later in 1904, he won the Nobel Prize for physiology and medicine. One can easily identify that Pavlov’s interest and hardworking for years helped him to contribute to the field of physiology. But he did not limit his experiments within the field of physiology. Instead, he began to work on reflex actions and the factor which motivates the same (say, the factor behind involuntary reactions). This attitude of unending quest helped Pavlov to conduct more experiments and research in Transmarginal Inhibition or TI. The term TI represents the human body’s reaction to shocking experiences. Pavlov’s experiments in TI were based upon pain and its reaction. This theory is valuable to the psychiatrists who are dealing with patients suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Later, Carl Jung continued Pavlov’s work and contributed to the field of psychology. One can easily identify that Pavlov’s contributions are not limited to his own research works but his supporters used to continue his studies. For instance, Pavlov’s research in the field of Behavioral psychology was continued by William Sargant (psychiatrist). Sargant’s research was based upon mental conditioning and mental implantation in Behavioral psychology. So, Pavlov’s importance cannot be limited to the sphere of psychology. The research paper presented by Pavlov at 14th International Medical Congress, which was conducted in Madrid, namely, The Experimental Psychology and Psychopathology of Animals is an important step in the development of psychology and physiology. This research paper proves that Pavlov was keenly interested in psychology and physiology. So, the review of Pavlov’s works proves that his interest in the fields of psychology and physiology resulted in a number of theories which can be applied in different fields. In short, it is difficult to find out another individual who contributed to the fields of psychology and physiology. Summing, the fields like psychology and physiology is deeply indebted to the contributions by Ivan Petrovich Pavlov. Especially, Pavlov’s scientific attitude transformed psychology from traditional methods of research to modernity. Within this context, Pavlov’s theories/ concepts like Classical Conditioning, Behaviorism, and Transmarginal Inhibition are most important. In short, Pavlov’s theories do not lose it relevance in the modern world because it acts the role of a solid foundation to the growth and development of psychology and physiology in general. References Kakkar, S. B. (2004). Educational Psychology. New Delhi, India: PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd. Saunders, B. R. (2006). Ivan Pavlov: Exploring the Mysteries of Behavior. USA: Enslow Publishers, Inc. Salter, A. (2002). Conditioned Reflex Therapy. Gretna, LA: Wellness Institute, Inc. Weiten, W. (2008). Psychology: Themes and Variations. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning. Read More