Operant conditioning and classical conditioning are similar in that they are both forms of learning that can be affected by the consistency, frequency and timing of administration. Operant and classical conditioning can undergo phases of acquisition and extinction, and may also be reversed using counterconditioning (for classical conditioning) and reversing reinforcement/punishment (for operant conditioning). Due to their similarities, “in the real world, classical and operant conditioning often occur simultaneously” (1).
In classical conditioning, the neutral/conditional stimulus is associated with the unconditional stimulus to induce an unconditional response, such as the dog salivating in Pavlov’s original experiment (2). This makes classical conditioning useful when one emotional or physiological response is required. For example, advertisers can associate likeable mascots with their brand to make customers like and buy products. Classical conditioning can be used to make vegetables more appealing to children by associating them with things they already like (like giving toys shaped like vegetables). The subject can be made to involuntarily like or dislike something.
In operant conditioning, a behavior leads to reinforcement or punishment. Operant conditioning allows the subject to choose and play a more active role in decision-making, as emphasized by B. F. Skinner and Skinner boxes (3). Consequently, operant conditioning is more effective when behavior has to be taught while still giving the subject freedom of choice or requiring the subject to choose from a variety of options. Operant conditioning is useful when trying to encourage or suppress voluntary behaviors. For example, reinforcements can be used to encourage children to clean their room or do well in exams. Punishments can be used to discourage children from fighting or saying foul words.
Sources:
(1) Doyle-Portillo, S. & Pastorino, E. (2011). What is Psychology?: 3E. Belmont: Wadsworth. pp. 174-217.
(2) Classical Conditioning (Pavlov): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUEtPkpvnBs&feature=relatedIn classical conditioning, the neutral/conditional stimulus is associated with the unconditional stimulus to induce an unconditional response, such as the dog salivating in Pavlov’s original experiment (2). This makes classical conditioning useful when one emotional or physiological response is required. For example, advertisers can associate likeable mascots with their brand to make customers like and buy products. Classical conditioning can be used to make vegetables more appealing to children by associating them with things they already like (like giving toys shaped like vegetables). The subject can be made to involuntarily like or dislike something.
In operant conditioning, a behavior leads to reinforcement or punishment. Operant conditioning allows the subject to choose and play a more active role in decision-making, as emphasized by B. F. Skinner and Skinner boxes (3). Consequently, operant conditioning is more effective when behavior has to be taught while still giving the subject freedom of choice or requiring the subject to choose from a variety of options. Operant conditioning is useful when trying to encourage or suppress voluntary behaviors. For example, reinforcements can be used to encourage children to clean their room or do well in exams. Punishments can be used to discourage children from fighting or saying foul words.
Sources:
(1) Doyle-Portillo, S. & Pastorino, E. (2011). What is Psychology?: 3E. Belmont: Wadsworth. pp. 174-217.
(3) Skinner – Operant Conditioning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSv992Ts6as&NR=1
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Your post is well written, with excellent examples demonstrating the similarities and differences between classical and operant conditioning. Your use and integration of multiple resources in your discussion was well done.
Re:
Great discussion. Previously (and without the textbook), it was difficult for me to differentiate between operant and classical conditioning. After reading your post, I think I have a better understanding of the two. Classical conditioning has more to do with association while operant conditioning is based on reinforcement or punishment.