Classical and operant conditioning are both similar because they involve making association between behaviour and events in an organism’s environment and are governed by several general laws of association - for example, it is easier to associate stimuli that are similar to each other and that occur at similar times. However there are several important differences. Show
These include:
Strengths of the Behaviourist ApproachBehaviourism provides simple, easily testable predictions about behaviour. For example, the effect of reinforcement on behaviour can be easily quantified. Treatments based on classical or operant conditioning have been effective in treating some disorders. For example, systematic desensitisation can be used to treat Phobias (Wolpe, 1958). Behaviourism played a key role in making psychology more scientific. For example, most researchers now accept that laboratory experiments with measurable variables are the best form of research. Limitations of the Behaviourist ApproachBehaviourism’s assumption of a general process of learning does not account for biological predispositions. For example, it is easier to learn phobias of some objects than others (Seligman, 1971). Behaviourism's assumption that learning takes place through gradual S-R association cannot explain how animals can learn without reinforcement. Tolman & Honzik (1930) showed that rats could learn maps of mazes without operant conditioning. Behaviourism finds it difficult to explain how humans construct new solutions to problems. For example, children can generate the plural forms of nouns they have never encountered before and could not have learned (Berko, 1958). The difference between classical and operant conditioning is the way in which a new behavior is acquired. Understanding these terms can help you with some important concepts in the field of psychology and seeing some examples of both will make their differences clear. What Is Classical Conditioning?Classical conditioning is when a conditioned response is paired with a neutral stimulus. The most famous example of this is Pavlov’s dogs, where Ivan Pavlov trained dogs to salivate at the sound of a metronome. The metronome was a neutral stimulus, since the dogs previously had no reaction to it. Pavlov would use the metronome every time the dogs were fed, and the dogs began to associate the sound with food. Salivating was their conditioned response. You can see real-world examples of classical conditioning in everything from your response to your cell phone to the way you react when you hear holiday music. What Is Operant Conditioning?In contrast to classical conditioning, operant conditioning involves encouraging or discouraging a specific behavior using reinforcement. While classical conditioning is training dogs to salivate to the sound of a metronome, operant conditioning is training them to sit by giving them a treat when they do. B.F. Skinner proposed the theory of operant conditioning, and he used a simple experiment with a rat to develop the theory. In the experiment, a hungry rat is placed in a box. As the rat explores, it discovers a lever. When it pushes the lever, it gets food. Over time, the rat learns to push the lever to receive food. Operant conditioning can involve positive reinforcement, such as giving a dog a treat or a rat getting food. It can also involve negative reinforcement, such as rewarding a dog for walking close to its owner by relaxing the unpleasant tension on the leash. Sometimes, operant conditioning involves punishment. In all examples of operant conditioning, a target behavior is reinforced using consequences. Classical vs. Operant Conditioning: Key DifferencesThe main difference between classical and operant conditioning is the way the behavior is conditioned. In classical conditioning, a neutral stimulus is paired with a conditioned response. In operant conditioning, a desired behavior is paired with a consequence. Which Comes First?In classical conditioning, a stimulus comes before the response. In operant conditioning, a behavior comes first and is then rewarded or punished. What Is Paired?In classical conditioning, a previously neutral stimulus is paired with an involuntary response. In operant conditioning, a behavior is paired with a consequence. Is the Behavior Voluntary?In classical conditioning, the response or behavior is involuntary, as in dogs salivating. In operant conditioning, the behavior is voluntary, as in dogs choosing to sit. Quick Reference Guide to Differences Between Classical and Operant ConditioningThe following table shows some additional differences between the two types of conditioning:
Both Are Part of BehaviorismBoth classical and operant conditioning are important in the field of behavioral psychology. Examples of behaviorism include both kinds of conditioning, and it’s fascinating to learn about the way these concepts are applied.
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Which statement describes the difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning?Classical conditioning involves associating an involuntary response and a stimulus, while operant conditioning is about associating a voluntary behavior and a consequence.
Which of the following is a difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning quizlet?What is the distinction between classical conditioning and operant conditioning? Classical conditioning involves learning based on associations, and operant conditioning involves learning based on consequences.
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