Classical Versus Operant Conditioning

Classical conditioning (CC) and operant conditioning (OC) are two crucial aspects of behavioral psychology (Cherry, n.d.; Pavlov, 1927; Skinner, 1953). While both types of conditioning result in learning, the process through which learning occurs is different. To understand each of the process it is crucial to learn about how one is different from the other (Cherry, n.d.; Pavlov, 1927; Skinner, 1953).

Classical Conditioning (CC) (Cherry, n.d.; Pavlov, 1927)

It was first defined and described by a Russian physiologist, Ivan Pavlov

Entails placing a neutral signal before a reflex occurs

Concentrates on automatic involuntary behaviors

Operant Conditioning (OC) (Cherry, n.d.; Skinner, 1953)

It was first defined and described by an American psychologist, B.F. Skinner

Involves a punishment or a reinforcement after a behavior

Concentrates on weakening or strengthening voluntary behaviors

How Classical Conditioning Works

Ivan Pavlov, in his most famous experiment, noticed that dogs started salivating in reaction to a bell being rung after the sound of the bell had been repeatedly paired with the serving of food (Cherry, n.d.; Pavlov, 1927). Pavlov quickly discovered that this was a learned response and decided to further study the conditioning process (Cherry, n.d.; Pavlov, 1927).

Classical conditioning includes blending of stimulus that was previously neutral with an unconditioned stimuli. The unconditioned stimuli (for instance, food taste) automatically triggered an unconditioned response (salivating) (Cherry, n.d.; Pavlov, 1927).

After linking the unconditioned and neutral stimulus for some time, the sound of bell alone brought about a response (salivation) (Cherry, n.d.; Pavlov, 1927).

How Operant Conditioning functions

Operant conditioning is based on the use of either punishment or reinforcement to decrease or increase a behavior (Cherry, n.d.; Skinner, 1953). Through this conditioning process, a relationship is shaped amid the behavior as well as its implications (Cherry, n.d.; Skinner, 1953). For example, if one is teaching a dog to catch a ball, if the dog does so it gets a reward, if it does not the reward is withheld, the dog eventually shapes a connection amid its behavior and getting reward (Cherry, n.d.; Skinner, 1953).

The Differences between Classical and Operant Conditioning

The voluntary or involuntary nature of a behavior allows us to know whether it has been learned through operant or classical conditioning. Classical and operant conditioning form two diverse connections, the former is amid an involuntary reaction and a stimuli, while the latter is amid a voluntary behavior and an implications (Cherry, n.d.; Pavlov, 1927; Skinner, 1953).

Classical conditioning has no enticements while in operant conditioning the learner is rewarded with incentives (Cherry, n.d.; Pavlov, 1927; Skinner, 1953). Both are used for different purposes by teachers, psychologists and trainers (Cherry, n.d.; Pavlov, 1927; Skinner, 1953).

Table -- 1 (Scott, 2012)

Operant Conditioning (OC) vs. Classical conditioning (CC)

Elements that CC & OC have in common

Elements of CC & OC that are clearly different

Stimulus generalization

Timing of stimulus

Stimulus discrimination

Role of learner

Spontaneous recovery

Nature response extinction

Timing of response

Acquisition

Table -- 2 (Scott, 2012)

Classical vs. Operant conditioning

Classical conditioning

Operant conditioning

Nature of Response

Reflexive (Involuntary)

Voluntary

Timing of Stimulus

Before the response

After occurrence of the desired response

Timing of Response

After presentation of the stimulus

Before the presentation of the stimulus

Role of Learner

Passive

Active

Question -- 2:

Nature of response (Scott, 2012)

C.C response is often involuntary e.g. salivating

O.C response is voluntary e.g. putting up an umbrella

In C.C the response entails the association of two stimuli and action of the autonomic nervous system