Pavlov's Classical Conditioning #WordlessWednesday

In Pavlov's famous experiment, he would make a unique sound with a metronome before giving food to the dogs. Soon, just the sound of the metronome would make the dogs salivate even if no food was there because they now associated that sound with food.

This is called Classical Conditioning. 

And it is not restricted to pooches, either. You and I undergo it every day. 

• The anger you feel when you see a particular politician you hate even if he has not said anything new. 
• The hope you feel when your favourite batsman walks to the crease to face his first ball.
• The nausea you feel when you see a food you had a bad experience with years ago.
• The pity you feel when you see Jimmy Shergill in a Bollywood movie (knowing he will end up NOT getting the girl.) 

Jokes aside, classical conditioning is real. The concept is used in a number of behavioural therapies and also for reducing phobias. How you choose to use it in real life is really up to you.

In today's world, you can use classical conditioning to spread constant negativity and still get millions to follow you. Heaven knows, most of our international, national leaders and even media work on that policy. 

Or you could use it in a positive way and associate your presence with happiness in others lives.  Smile more. Reassure. Console. Uplift.   

Can you think of some form of classical conditioning in your life today? A sight, a smell, an associated happiness, sadness, anger or joy?

Do tell.

Authors note:

I am linking up with Esha and Natasha for #WordlessWednesday. You can find more fun picture based posts there and add your own too. 

Earlier posts I have written for Wordless Wednesday include:

1. Kerala Meals
2. Have You Ever Had Pain During Surgery?
3. Beautiful Desserts
4. A Dish I did not Expect to Like
5. What Show is this Dog Watching?!

6. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
7. Pavlov's Classical Conditioning
8. What if Gods were just Advanced Aliens?

Also connecting to Corinne and her #MondayMusings.