Classical-Conditioning Demonstrations for Elementary and Advanced Courses

Abstract

Although many inexpensive invertebrate preparations are available to demonstrate principles of learning and memory, some of these preparations are seasonal, and those using honeybees are potentially dangerous. This article describes two new exercises in classical conditioning that use earthworms and houseflies. These animals are available year-round and pose no risk to the student or instructor. The conditioned stimuli are odorants, which, when paired with the unconditioned stimuli, soon elicit a conditioned response of contraction in worms or proboscis extension in flies. The effectiveness of the earthworm demonstration was evaluated by comparing it to a computer simulation of the classical-conditioning process. On all major indices, students' work with animals increased their understanding of the classical-conditioning process.