Pavlov’s theory of Classical Conditioning
PSY-101: Application Assignment – DUE SUNDAY 1/23/22
For our Application Assignment, you must first select at least one of the major topics (i.e., chapters) in
Psychology (e.g., Chapter 6: Learning). Once you’ve selected a topic, you can begin working on the
assignment. It accounts for 10 points (i.e., 10% of your grade).
Your goal is to APPLY the terms, concepts, and theories from the topic to real-world situations and people. In
short, you should tell a story (or stories) that apply the terms, concepts, and theories from the topic
you selected. You can apply the information to your own past experience, that of a family member or friend,
or you can create fictional people that go through hypothetical situations. We can consider this a “reflection”
(NOT research) paper as we’re required to produce original examples of the psychological concepts in action.
For example, I could apply Pavlov’s theory of Classical Conditioning (see Chapter 6) by writing about how I’ve
been conditioned to fear insects. I would, in detail, discuss how all of the related concepts (e.g.,
stimulus-response associations, extinction, stimulus generalization) apply to my experience. I would also write
applications for Skinner’s theory of Operant Conditioning and Bandura’s theory of Observational Learning if I
were to select the topic of Learning for this assignment.
Your paper MUST be typed, double-spaced, and contain A MINIMUM of 1,000 words (this equates to
roughly four double-spaced pages of writing). Your paper will be graded using the following rubric:
Problematic (0 to 3 points)
Progressing (4 to 6 points)
Proficient (7 to 8 points)
Perfection (9 to 10 points)
Complete absence or misunderstanding of how
the material can be applied
Minimal understanding of how the material can
be applied
Moderate understanding of how the material can
be applied
Complete understanding of how the material can
be applied
It is expected that you find at least three additional resources (other than our online text) to supplement your
understanding of the topic you select. Your paper will be submitted through Turn It In which will check it for
instances of plagiarism, so PLEASE be sure to cite the source of all unoriginal information that you share.
You should use this Google Doc as a template for APA style.
Please be sure to produce original applications, so you’ll only need to cite others’ work when first introducing
the big ideas. For example, you SHOULD NOT write about Pavlov’s Dog to apply Classical Conditioning, but
you should most definitely introduce the theory of Classical Conditioning before applying it, citing your sources.
PLEASE… make sure your applications are YOUR APPLICATIONS and not someone else’s.
I strongly recommend that you follow these steps in completing this assignment: 1) Pick a topic, 2) Make an
outline, 3) Write your applications, 4) Write an introduction and conclusion, 5) Proofread and revise, 6)
PROOFREAD AND REVISE AGAIN, 7) Submit.