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Learning Project
Due: December 6th – Tuesday
You have now learned how conditioning works, so now it’s time to apply these principles to the world
around you. Your project is to condition someone you know using classical or operant conditioning
techniques. You can work alone or with up to 2 different classmates (if you work in a group, everyone
must play a role in the conditioning).
You must first design a conditioning experiment and apply the following 9 terms to it. Your
experiment must attempt to create generalization, discrimination, extinction, and spontaneous
recovery.
Classical Conditioning
Conditioned stimulus
Unconditioned stimulus
Unconditioned response
Conditioned response
Acquisition
Generalization
Discrimination
Extinction
Spontaneous Recovery
Operant Conditioning
Desired behavior
Reinforcement (which kind used and why)
Punishment (which kind used and why)
Reinforcement schedule (which kind used and
why)
Acquisition
Generalization
Discrimination
Extinction
Spontaneous Recovery
Once you’ve attempted to condition the person (it will probably take a series of days before it sets in)
it is time to write up your experience. First you need to explain how the experiment went, why it did or
did not work, and what could have made it more or less successful in about 150-250 words. You must
also apply the 9 terms to your experiment. The grade for this assignment is not based on the success of
your conditioning, but how well you create an experiment, carry it out, and write it up.
RESTRICTIONS:
 You cannot physically or psychologically harm anyone in this experiment.
 Don’t break a law.
 Don’t disrupt another teacher’s class or the school day with your experiment.
TIPS:
 Choose someone outside of AP Psych. They’re less likely to be familiar with the subject and
more likely to be conditioned. Family members, friends, or other people you know would be
better targets.