READING REPORT 1
QAUME ENNIN
PSY 320: LEARNING AND MOTIVATION
ALMA ARCE, PH.D.
Experimental neurosis refers to maladaptive behavior observed in learning situations such
behavior may be produced by a variety of techniques that had their beginnings in the laboratory of
Ivan Pavlov. The psychological phenomenon of experimental neurosis is being explored in dogs.
An animal (or person) experiences stress and disorientation when exposed to contradictory stimuli
that cause doubt and bewilderment. Therefore, experimental neurosis is defined by Pavlov and
denoted by Powell et al. (2017) as being an experimentally produced disorder that induces neurotic
symptoms in subjects. The primary experiment conducting said research was done by Shenger-
Krestovnikova, and involved the manipulation of ellipses (into something closer to a circle) when
conditioning dogs to food. This was done as a discrimination experiment, but quickly showed that
the dogs in question grew “neurotic-like” symptoms when presented with the uncertainty of ellipse
shape.
I learned from the reading that experimental neurosis is a technique used by researchers to
expose animals, such as dogs, to contradicting stimuli and see how they react. Imagine being in a
normal Ghanaian market and experiencing a variety of sounds and scents all at once, such as the
sizzle of street food, the blaring of taxis, and the commotion of people haggling. Palov came to the
conclusion that dogs would salivate in response to a neutral stimulus that was later linked to food.
However, the dogs showed evidence of being unable to predict whether the new sound would
similarly result in food when he added a second stimulus that was comparable to the original bell
but different in tone. The process is exposing an animal to two opposing signals, much like the
confusion of the market. Let's say, for instance, that a dog has been trained to anticipate food
whenever a bell rings. Like a human who expects to find their favorite meal at a food stand but is
faced with an empty pot, the dog gets confused and nervous if the bell rings and there is no food.
This conflict may eventually result in neurotic symptoms like worry or erratic conduct Their
expectations based on the new stimuli and their prior conditioning clashed in this situation. It is
interesting to know that the resulting dogs, which were otherwise well-trained, were left as agitated
messes the likes of which tore at equipment, moved about erratically, and yelped loudly. A small
number of dogs would not respond at all, whilst others would appear hypnotized. Other dogs still
would not respond at all, although they were sparse and few between. Pavlov, again, denoted this
as being experimental neurosis, and suggested that humans respond to consistent/excessive
uncertainty in a similar manner.
Throughout the reading of the course materials I realised that Pavlov's theory, primarily
associated with classical conditioning, isn't a direct personality theory but rather a foundational
concept in understanding how behaviors can Overview. According to Pavlov, the primary factor
influencing an individual's reaction to stimuli is their introverted or extroverted personality. He
suggests that when faced with uncertainty, extroverted people behave more physically, while
introverted people show a greater propensity for neuroticism. I don't believe it is possible to assume
that everyone will react in a more neurotic or physical way depending on whether they favor an
introverted or extroverted approach to energy acquisition. Rather, I think it's more likely that
something else is emphasizing the methods while still playing a part. For instance, one may think
of the degree of assertiveness, confidence, turbulence, or self-confidence hesitancy. Regardless of
whether a person is an extrovert or an introvert, these straightforward metrics could explain a wide
range of responses. Finally I have come to know that many aspects of personality can be viewed
as a product of learned repeatedly receives positive reinforcement (like praise or reward) when
they exhibit certain behaviors, those behaviors may become ingrained as part of their personality.
References
Powell, R. A., Honey, P, L., & Symbaluk, D. G. (2017). Introduction to learning and behavior
(5th Ed.). Cengage.
