Classical conditioning is one of the most basic tenets of human nature. The idea behind it is that anyone can be trained, when given the proper motivation. The most oft cited example is Pavlov's dogs. What Pavlov did was ring a bell before feeding his dogs. He did this for long enough that the dogs did the math and realized that the bell meant that food was coming. Eventually, Pavlov got the dogs to salivate (pretty heavily, I believe) with just the bell.
So Pavlov taught us a bit about this classical conditioning. And we can really see it in daily life. So it isn't some grand idea that nobody uses.
Yesterday (07-08-07), I was in DC. I went in during the day because Wifey had to do some work, and I had to keep looking for a job. So we got some food and she went into the office and I sat outside to relax and enjoy the air ... and eat my food. So I sat at a table outside of a Starbucks about 3 blocks from the White House and about half a block from a small park. I think it's called Homeless Park. But maybe that's just a nickname. Anyway, I'm at a Starbucks that's is currently very empty (it's a Sunday after all).
So about a minute or so after I sat down I get accosted. I mean, I'm just starting to open the bag and get a good smell of my fries, and WHAM! three little birds landed on my table. And they looked longingly at my food, as though they were expecting me to just give them my food. So I try to shoo them away - unsuccessfully. In fact, what ended up happening was about a dozen came and just sat on the table, or one of the other chairs, or under the table just waiting for me to feed them.
Now, okay, birds need to eat too, right? Well, think about this - birds eat seeds and stuff. Not burgers and fries, right? Obviously these birds have been conditioned to eat what people voluntarily give them. Most birds, as you approach them, scatter. Even in New York City pigeons flee as people close in. And NYC Pigeons are just scavengers! Needless to say, it was pretty ridiculous.
