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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
09:33
An Objective and Reproducible Test of Olfactory Learning and Discrimination in Mice
Published on: March 22, 2018
Olfactory conditioning of positive performance in humans
1Department of Psychology, The University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. schu@uclan.ac.uk
Chemical Senses
|September 12, 2007
Summary
This study shows that odors can positively influence human behavior through classical conditioning. Schoolchildren performed better on tasks after experiencing success with a specific scent, demonstrating olfactory conditioning effects.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Olfactory conditioning is well-documented in animals but less studied in humans, especially for controlled behaviors.
- Previous research focused on negative performance effects of olfactory conditioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide the first experimental evidence of positive human behavioral influence using olfactory classical conditioning.
- To investigate if ambient odors can enhance performance in underachieving schoolchildren.
Main Methods:
- Underachieving schoolchildren were exposed to an ambient odor during a successful paper-and-pencil task.
- Later, participants were re-exposed to the same odor, and their performance on subsequent tasks was measured.
Main Results:
- Children who experienced success with the odor showed superior performance on later tasks compared to control groups.
- This indicates a positive associative learning effect linked to the odorant stimulus.
Conclusions:
- Olfactory classical conditioning can be effectively used to positively influence human behavior.
- This research extends findings on human olfactory conditioning and suggests practical applications for odor-based behavioral enhancement.
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