Although there is supporting evidence, like little Albert, generalising and applying the findings of dogs to humans is still very difficult. This means that it is impossible for all these processes to be observed. Although conditioning can be observed in dogs and most species, human behaviour is driven by complex emotions and thought processes. The use of animals is a criticism of Pavlov's research.It also provides useful counter conditioning treatments, including systematic desensitisation (used to extinguish phobia's such as that of 'little Albert'). Valuable contribution to society - Pavlov's research provides powerful explanations for the development of a variety of behaviour s including psychological disorders.High Credibility - Other elements of Pavlov's research have been supported in Watson & Rayner's research: Albert's anxiety response had generalised from the white rat to some other white furry objects that were similar to the white rat (ie: cotton wool and a white stick on beard).Before: Noise (UCS) = Anxiety (UCR) - During: Noise (UCS) + Rat (NS) = Anxiety (UCR) - After: Rat (CS) = Anxiety (CR) Their study involved conditioning an 18 month old boy, Little Albert to develop a phobia of a white rat by pairing the rat with a loud noise. One famous study of Watson & Rayner (1920) supports Pavlov's research and links Classical Conditioning to be an element that effects the development of phobias. Insight into the development of phobias - Pavlov's research of learning via stimulus-response has been successfully applies to humans.Pavlov's research is viewed as an excellent example of scientific research - giving psychology greater credibility and respect. He is able to infer cause and effect due to his insistence on objectivity, control over variable and precise measurements learning can be conditioned via stimulus and response.
Empirical Research - Pavlov used experiments to test his theory of Classical Conditioning.