Learning | Class 11 Psychology Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 3 min read
Learning – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Learning from Class 11 Psychology, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Classical Conditioning
Classical conditioning, discovered by Ivan Pavlov during his studies on digestion in dogs, is a form of learning where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus (US) that naturally elicits an unconditioned response (UR). Over repeated pairings, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) that elicits a conditioned response (CR) similar to the UR. Pavlov’s experiment involved placing a dog in a harness with a tube inserted in its jaw to collect saliva. Initially, the dog salivated (UR) only to food (US). Pavlov then paired the sound of a bell (neutral stimulus) with the presentation of food repeatedly. Eventually, the bell alone (CS) elicited salivation (CR) even without food. This learning is called classical or Pavlovian conditioning and is a form of S-S (stimulus-stimulus) learning where one stimulus signals the occurrence of another. Everyday examples include salivating at the sight of a sweet dish after lunch or a child developing fear of balloons after a balloon bursts loudly near them. The process involves three stages: before conditioning (US elicits UR, CS is neutral), during conditioning (CS paired with US elicits UR), and after conditioning (CS elicits CR).
📊 Diagram: Fig.5.1 : A Dog in Pavlovian Harness for Conditioning; Table on page 4 (6×3) showing stages of conditioning with stimuli and responses.
🔗 Connection: This section leads to understanding the determinants that influence classical conditioning.
Table on page 4 (6×3)
| Table 5.1 Relationship of Stages of Conditioning and Operations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stages of Conditioning | Nature of Stimulus | Nature of Response |
| Before | Food (US) | Salivation (UR) |
| Sound of the Bell | Alertness (No Specific Response) | |
| During | Sound of the Bell (CS) + Food (US) | Salivation (UR) |
| After | Sound of the Bell (CS) | Salivation (CR) |
Frequently asked questions
1. What is learning? What are its distinguishing features?
Learning is a relatively permanent change in behaviour or behavioural potential that occurs as a result of experience. Its distinguishing features include: (1) It is a change in behaviour or behavioural potential, (2) The change is relatively permanent, (3) It results from experience, (4) It involves acquisition of new knowledge, skills, attitudes or values.
2. How does classical conditioning demonstrate learning by association?
Classical conditioning demonstrates learning by association by pairing a neutral stimulus (NS) with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) that naturally elicits an unconditioned response (UCR). After repeated pairings, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) that elicits a conditioned response (CR) similar to the UCR. This shows that learning occurs when two stimuli are associated.
3. Define operant conditioning. Discuss the factors that influence the course of operant conditioning.
Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which behaviour is strengthened or weakened by its consequences, such as reinforcement or punishment. Factors influencing operant conditioning include: (1) The nature of the reinforcement or punishment (positive or negative), (2) The timing of the consequence (immediate consequences are more effective), (3) The schedule of reinforcement (continuous or partial), (4) The motivation of the learner, (5) The previous learning history.
4. A good role model is very important for a growing up child. Discuss the kind of learning that supports it.
The kind of learning that supports the importance of a good role model is observational learning or social learning. Children learn behaviours, attitudes, and values by observing and imitating the actions of role models such as parents, teachers, and peers. This learning involves attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.
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Clear NCERT-aligned notes on अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग for Class 11 Psychology.
- अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग | Class 11 Psychology Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग for Class 11 Psychology.