compare and contrast classical and operant conditioning essay

• Bipolar Disorder
• Therapy Center
• When To See a Therapist
• Types of Therapy
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Couples Therapy
• Best Family Therapy
• Managing Stress
• Sleep and Dreaming
• Understanding Emotions
• Self-Improvement
• Healthy Relationships
• Student Resources
• Personality Types
• Verywell Mind Insights
• 2023 Verywell Mind 25
• Mental Health in the Classroom
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board
• Crisis Support

Classical vs. Operant Conditioning

How Classical Conditioning Differs from Operant Conditioning

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Comparing Classical and Operant Conditioning

Classical conditioning, operant conditioning.

Classical conditioning and operant conditioning are two important concepts central to behavioral psychology. There are similarities between classical and operant conditioning. Both types of conditioning result in learning and both suggest that a subject can adapt to their environment.

However, the processes are also quite different. What are the main differences between classical vs. operant conditioning? To understand how each of these behavior modification techniques can be used, it is also essential to understand how classical and operant conditioning differ from one another.

Let's take a look at some of the most basic differences.

First described by Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist

Focuses on involuntary, automatic behaviors

Involves placing a neutral signal before a reflex

First described by B. F. Skinner, an American psychologist

Involves applying reinforcement or punishment after a behavior

Focuses on strengthening or weakening voluntary behaviors

Even if you are not a psychology student, you have probably at least heard about  Pavlov's dogs . In his famous experiment ,  Ivan Pavlov  noticed dogs began to salivate in response to a tone after the sound had repeatedly been paired with presenting food. Pavlov quickly realized that this was a learned response and set out to further investigate the conditioning process.

Classical conditioning is a process that involves creating an association between a naturally existing stimulus and a previously neutral one. Sounds confusing, but let's break it down:

The classical conditioning process involves pairing a previously neutral stimulus (such as the sound of a bell) with an unconditioned stimulus (the taste of food).

This unconditioned stimulus naturally and automatically triggers salivating as a response to the food, which is known as the unconditioned response . After associating the neutral stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus, the sound of the bell alone will start to evoke salivating as a response.

The sound of the bell is now known as the conditioned stimulus and salivating in response to the bell is known as the conditioned response .

A dog doesn't need to be trained to salivate when it sees food; this occurs naturally. The food is the naturally occurring stimulus. If you ring a bell every time you presented the dog with food, an association would be formed between the food and the bell. Eventually, the bell alone, a.k.a. the conditioned stimulus would come to evoke the salivation response.

Classical conditioning is much more than just a basic term used to describe a method of learning; it can also explain how many behaviors form that can impact your health. Consider how a bad habit might form. Even though you have been working out and eating healthy, nighttime overeating keeps tripping up your dieting efforts.

Thanks to classical conditioning, you might have developed the habit of heading to the kitchen for a snack every time a commercial comes on while you are watching your favorite television program.

While commercial breaks were once a neutral stimulus, repeated pairing with an unconditioned stimulus (having a delicious snack) has turned the commercials into a conditioned stimulus. Now every time you see a commercial, you crave a sweet treat.

Operant conditioning (or instrumental conditioning ) focuses on using either reinforcement or punishment to increase or decrease a behavior. Through this process, an association is formed between the behavior and the consequences of that behavior.

Imagine that a trainer is trying to teach a dog to fetch a ball. When the dog successfully chases and picks up the ball, the dog receives praise as a reward. When the animal fails to retrieve the ball, the trainer withholds the praise. Eventually, the dog forms an association between the behavior of fetching the ball and receiving the desired reward.

For example, imagine that a schoolteacher punishes a student for talking out of turn by not letting the student go outside for recess. As a result, the student forms an association between the behavior (talking out of turn) and the consequence (not being able to go outside for recess). As a result, the problematic behavior decreases.

A number of factors can influence how quickly a response is learned and the strength of the response. How often the response is reinforced, known as a schedule of reinforcement , can play an important role in how quickly the behavior is learned and how strong the response becomes. The type of reinforcer used can also have an impact on the response.

For example, while a variable-ratio schedule will result in a high and steady rate of response, a variable-interval schedule will lead to a slow and steady response rate.

In addition to being used to train people and animals to engage in new behaviors, operant conditioning can also be used to help people eliminate unwanted ones. Using a system of rewards and punishments, people can learn to overcome bad habits that might have a negative impact on their health such as smoking or overeating.

One of the simplest ways to remember the differences between classical and operant conditioning is to focus on whether the behavior is involuntary or voluntary.

The main difference between classical and operant conditioning is that classical conditioning involves associating an involuntary response and a stimulus, while operant conditioning is about associating a voluntary behavior and a consequence.

In operant conditioning, the learner is also rewarded with incentives, while classical conditioning involves no such enticements. Also, remember that classical conditioning is passive on the part of the learner, while operant conditioning requires the learner to actively participate and perform some type of action in order to be rewarded or punished.

For operant conditioning to work, the subject must first display a behavior that can then be either rewarded or punished. Classical conditioning, on the other hand, involves forming an association with some sort of already naturally occurring event.  

Classical vs. Operant Conditioning Examples

Today, both classical and operant conditioning are utilized for a variety of purposes by teachers, parents, psychologists, animal trainers, and many others.

• Example of classical conditioning : In animal conditioning, a trainer might utilize classical conditioning by repeatedly pairing the sound of a clicker with the taste of food. Eventually, the sound of the clicker alone will begin to produce the same response that the taste of food would.
• Example of operant conditioning : In a classroom setting, a teacher might utilize operant conditioning by offering tokens as rewards for good behavior. Students can then turn in these tokens to receive some type of reward, such as a treat or extra playtime. In each of these instances, the goal of conditioning is to produce some sort of change in behavior.

A Word From Verywell

Classical conditioning and operant conditioning are both important learning concepts that originated in behavioral psychology. While these two types of conditioning share some similarities, it is important to understand some of the key differences in order to best determine which approach is best for certain learning situations.

Dunsmoor JE, Murphy GL. Categories, concepts, and conditioning: how humans generalize fear. Trends Cogn Sci (Regul Ed). 2015;19(2):73-7.  doi:10.1016/j.tics.2014.12.003

Segers E, Beckers T, Geurts H, Claes L, Danckaerts M, Van der oord S. Working memory and reinforcement schedule jointly determine reinforcement learning in children: Potential implications for behavioral parent training. Front Psychol . 2018;9:394.  doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00394

Franzoi S. Psychology: A Discovery Experience. South-Western CENGAGE Learning. 2015.

Boutelle KN, Bouton ME. Implications of learning theory for developing programs to decrease overeating. Appetite . 2015;93:62-74.  doi:10.1016/j.appet.2015.05.013

Silverman K, Jarvis BP, Jessel J, Lopez AA. Incentives and Motivation. Transl Issues Psychol Sci . 2016;2(2):97-100.  doi:10.1037/tps0000073

Hulac D, Benson N, et al. Using variable interval reinforcement schedules to support students in the classroom: An introduction with illustrative examples. Journal of Educational Research and Practice . 2016;6(1):90–96.

• McSweeney, FK & Murphy, ES. The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Operant and Classical Conditioning. Oxford: John Wiley & Sons; 2014.
• Nevid, JS. Essentials of Psychology: Concepts and Applications. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth; 2012.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

• Free AI Essay Writer
• AI Outline Generator
• AI Paragraph Generator
• Paragraph Expander
• Essay Expander
• Literature Review Generator
• Research Paper Generator
• Thesis Generator
• Paraphrasing tool
• AI Rewording Tool
• AI Sentence Rewriter
• AI Rephraser
• AI Paragraph Rewriter
• Summarizing Tool
• AI Content Shortener
• Plagiarism Checker
• AI Detector
• AI Essay Checker
• Citation Generator
• Reference Finder
• Book Citation Generator
• Legal Citation Generator
• Journal Citation Generator
• Reference Citation Generator
• Scientific Citation Generator
• Source Citation Generator
• Website Citation Generator
• URL Citation Generator
• AI Writing Guides
• AI Detection Guides
• Citation Guides
• Grammar Guides
• Paraphrasing Guides
• Plagiarism Guides
• Summary Writing Guides
• STEM Guides
• Humanities Guides
• Language Learning Guides
• Coding Guides
• Top Lists and Recommendations
• AI Detectors
• AI Writing Services
• Coding Homework Help
• Citation Generators
• Essay Writing Websites
• Language Learning Websites
• Math Solvers
• Paraphrasers
• Plagiarism Checkers
• Reference Finders
• Spell Checkers
• Summarizers
• Tutoring Websites

Most Popular

Cognition’s new ai tool devin is set to revolutionize coding industry, do you use quotation marks when paraphrasing.

13 days ago

What Is Mosaic Plagiarism?

12 days ago

Atozmath Review

How to make chat gpt rewrite text, classical vs operant conditioning.

The following review example can serve as a guide for students trying to find inspiration when writing an assignment on “Classical and operant conditioning”.

Classical and operant conditioning are two core concepts in behavioral psychology, each playing a crucial role in understanding how humans and animals adapt to their environments. Despite some similarities, these forms of conditioning have distinct differences. Understanding these differences is key to utilizing them effectively in various settings, including education, parenting, and animal training.

Behavioral psychology has significantly advanced our understanding of learning and behavior. Central to this field are the concepts of classical and operant conditioning, each offering a unique perspective on how behavior is learned and modified. While they share the common goal of facilitating learning and adaptation, their approaches and mechanisms differ significantly. This article delves into these differences, providing definitions, explanations, and examples to illustrate their distinct roles in behavior modification.

Operant vs Classical conditioning

Ever wonder if our actions are more like an echo or a choice? This question opens the door to understanding operant and classical conditioning. Classical conditioning is like an echo – an automatic response to a familiar sound. It’s a natural reaction, not chosen but developed through repeated experiences, like jumping at the sound of thunder. Operant conditioning, however, is about choices, like navigating a maze. It’s learning through trial and error, guided by the rewards and consequences of our actions, akin to choosing a path based on the signs of success or warning.

Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning, first described by Ivan Pavlov, focuses on involuntary, automatic behaviors. It involves creating an association between a naturally occurring stimulus and a previously neutral one. In Pavlov’s famous experiment, dogs were conditioned to salivate in response to a bell, a neutral stimulus, after it was repeatedly paired with food, an unconditioned stimulus. This form of conditioning underlines how an involuntary response (salivation) can be elicited by a previously neutral stimulus (bell sound).

Examples of classical conditioning in everyday life

Classical conditioning occurs in everyday scenarios, often without our conscious awareness. For instance, if a person feels anxious every time they enter a doctor’s office due to past painful experiences, the doctor’s office (neutral stimulus) has become associated with discomfort (unconditioned stimulus), eliciting anxiety (conditioned response).

Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning, introduced by B. F. Skinner, is centered around voluntary behaviors and their consequences. It involves the use of reinforcement or punishment to either increase or decrease a behavior. Unlike classical conditioning, operant conditioning requires active participation from the learner. For example, a dog is rewarded for fetching a ball, thereby increasing the likelihood of the behavior being repeated.

Examples of operant conditioning in everyday life 

Operant conditioning is widely used in educational settings, such as teachers rewarding students for good behavior to encourage its repetition. Similarly, parents might use time-outs (a form of punishment) to reduce undesirable behaviors in children.

Comparing Classical and Operant Conditioning

While both classical and operant conditioning are forms of associative learning, they differ in key aspects:

• Nature of Behavior: Classical conditioning deals with involuntary responses (e.g., salivating), while operant conditioning involves voluntary behaviors (e.g., fetching a ball).
• Role of the Learner: In classical conditioning, the learner is passive, responding to the association between stimuli. In contrast, operant conditioning requires active participation from the learner.
• Stimulus-Response Relationship: Classical conditioning links an involuntary response with a stimulus. Operant conditioning, however, associates a voluntary behavior with a consequence (reinforcement or punishment).

Final Thoughts

Understanding the nuances between classical and operant conditioning is essential for effectively applying these principles in various fields, from education to behavioral therapy. While they share similarities in their associative learning processes, their differences in addressing involuntary versus voluntary behaviors, the learner’s role, and the nature of stimulus-response relationships set them apart. This knowledge not only aids in practical applications but also enriches our understanding of the complex nature of learning and behavior modification.

What is an example of classical and operant conditioning?

An example of classical conditioning is Pavlov’s dogs, where dogs were conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell, which initially had no relevance to salivation. This was achieved by repeatedly pairing the bell sound with the presentation of food. An example of operant conditioning is training a dog to sit. When the dog sits on command, it receives a treat (positive reinforcement), increasing the likelihood of the dog sitting on command in the future.

What is the difference between classical and operant conditioning extinction?

Extinction in classical conditioning occurs when the conditioned stimulus (e.g., a bell in Pavlov’s experiment) is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus (e.g., food), leading to a decrease in the conditioned response (e.g., salivation). In operant conditioning, extinction happens when a behavior (e.g., pressing a lever) is no longer reinforced (e.g., by removing a food reward), which gradually reduces the frequency of that behavior. Essentially, classical conditioning extinction is the breaking of an association between two stimuli, while operant conditioning extinction involves the ceasing of reinforcement or punishment.

Follow us on Reddit for more insights and updates.

Comments (0)

Welcome to A*Help comments!

We’re all about debate and discussion at A*Help.

We value the diverse opinions of users, so you may find points of view that you don’t agree with. And that’s cool. However, there are certain things we’re not OK with: attempts to manipulate our data in any way, for example, or the posting of discriminative, offensive, hateful, or disparaging material.

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

More from Compare and Contrast Essay Examples and Samples

Nov 27 2023

Rationalism vs Empiricism

Nov 20 2023

Courage vs Bravery

May 09 2023

Comparison of Traditional and Nontraditional Project Management Essay Sample, Example

Remember Me

What is your profession ? Student Teacher Writer Other

Forgotten Password?

Username or Email

Final dates! Join the tutor2u subject teams in London for a day of exam technique and revision at the cinema. Learn more →

Reference Library

Collections

• See what's new
• All Resources
• Student Resources
• Assessment Resources
• Teaching Resources
• CPD Courses
• Livestreams

Study notes, videos, interactive activities and more!

Psychology news, insights and enrichment

Currated collections of free resources

Browse resources by topic

• All Psychology Resources

Resource Selections

Currated lists of resources

Study Notes

Similarities and Differences Between Classical and Operant Conditioning

Last updated 22 Mar 2021

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share by Email

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.

These include:

• In CC, the response is a reflex and involuntary. In OC, the response is voluntary behaviour.
• In CC, the stimulus is new to the animal. In OC, the behaviour is new to the animal.
• In CC, the reflex (response) follows the stimulus. In OC, the behaviour (response) precedes the reward or punishment (stimulus).
• In CC, association occurs whether the stimulus is pleasurable or aversive. In OC pleasurable reward leads to repetition while aversion leads to extinction.
• In CC, strength of conditioning is measured by speed or amount of response. In OC, strength is measured by rate of production of behaviour.

Strengths of the Behaviourist Approach

Behaviourism 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 Approach

Behaviourism’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).

• Classical conditioning
• Operant Conditioning
• Behaviourist Approach
• Reinforcement
• Systematic Desensitisation

You might also like

Treating phobias - flooding, explaining phobias – the two-process model, treating phobias - systematic desensitisation, laboratory experiments, phobias (introduction), characteristics of phobias, explanations for attachment.

Quizzes & Activities

Phobias, Depression and OCD - Emotional & Cognitive Characteristics

Our subjects.

• › Criminology
• › Economics
• › Geography
• › Health & Social Care
• › Psychology
• › Sociology
• › Teaching & learning resources
• › Student revision workshops
• › Online student courses
• › CPD for teachers
• › Livestreams
• › Teaching jobs

Boston House, 214 High Street, Boston Spa, West Yorkshire, LS23 6AD Tel: 01937 848885

• › Contact us
• › Terms of use
• › Privacy & cookies

© 2002-2024 Tutor2u Limited. Company Reg no: 04489574. VAT reg no 816865400.

Difference Between Classical and Operant Conditioning

Categories Behavior

Sharing is caring!

Both classical conditioning and operant are central to behaviorism , but students often get confused about the differences between the two. Classical and operant conditioning are both types of learning that involve learning by association. However, there are important differences between the two.

The main difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning is that classical conditioning involves pairing a neutral stimulus with a reflexive response. In contrast, operant conditioning involves reinforcing or punishing voluntary behaviors to either increase or decrease their frequency.

Classical vs Operant Conditioning: Understanding the Differences

For many students, remembering what makes classical conditioning and operant conditioning different can be a real challenge. Fortunately, there are some handy tricks for remembering and identifying each type of conditioning process.

Classical conditioning:

• Involves involuntary behaviors that occur automatically
• Involves a neutral stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response
• Involves placing a previously neutral stimulus before a naturally occurring reflex

Operant conditioning:

• Involves voluntary behaviors
• Requires the use of reinforcement or punishment
• Involves placing a consequence after a behavior

What Is Classical Conditioning?

Classical conditioning is a learning process in which an association is formed between a naturally existing and neutral stimulus. Once an association has been formed, the neutral stimulus will come to evoke the same response as the naturally occurring stimulus.

Sounds confusing, but let’s break it down:

• A dog will salivate when it sees food. The food is a naturally occurring stimulus that automatically triggers a response.
• Now imagine that you begin to wear a white coat every time you present the food to the dog.
• Eventually, the animal forms an association between the natural stimulus (the food) and the previously neutral stimulus (the white coat).
• Once this association has been established, the dog will begin to salivate when it sees the white coat, even in the absence of the food.

This process was discovered by a Russian physiologist named Ivan Pavlov and has become a vital concept within the field of behavioral psychology. The classical conditioning process often occurs in the real world, and can also be used to purposefully alter behaviors and teach new behaviors.

How Does Classical Conditioning Work?

Ivan Pavlov was a Russian physiologist, but his most famous discovery had a significant effect on the field of psychology. If Pavlov’s name rings a bell, then you have probably heard of his famous experiments with dogs. Pavlov experimented on 40 dogs during the course of his experiments.

Pavlov was conducting experiments on the digestive systems of dogs when he noticed something interesting. Whenever a lab assistant would enter the room, the animals would begin to salivate.

Pavlov’s digestive experiments involved introducing both food and non-food items to the animals and then measuring the salivary response. Why were the animals salivating whenever they saw the lab assistant?

Pavlov quickly realized that salivating had actually become a learned response . The animals had grown to associate the sight of the assistant’s white lab coat with the presentation of food. Eventually, simply the sight of the assistant could trigger this response, even in the absence of food.

Pavlov’s discovery became known as classical conditioning. In this process, a previously neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus or something that naturally and automatically triggers a response. In Pavlov’s experiments, he paired the sound of a bell with the presentation of food.

After several pairings, an association is formed and the neutral stimulus will also trigger the response. At this point, the neutral stimulus is known as the conditioned stimulus and the response becomes known as the conditioned response . In Pavlov’s experiments, the sound of the bell eventually began to provoke the drooling response, even when no food was present.

The Influence of Classical Conditioning

The discovery of classical conditioning had an enormous impact on the school of thought known as behaviorism. Advocates of behaviorism included the psychologist John B. Watson, who utilized classical conditioning in an experiment to demonstrate how fear could be a conditioned response.

The behaviorist John B. Watson also utilized this process in his famous Little Albert experiment. In the experiment, a child known as Little Albert was exposed to a white lab rat. The child initially showed no fear of the animal, but Watson and his assistant Rosalie Rayner then paired the presentation of the rat with a loud clanging sound.

After several pairings, the child eventually began to cry whenever he saw the white rat. By associating the sight of a white rat with a loud, clanging sound, Watson was able to classically condition a young boy to fear the white rat. Little Albert’s fear even bled over to other white, furry objects including stuffed toys, Rayner’s white fur coat, and the sight of Watson wearing a Santa Claus beard.

What Is Operant Conditioning?

Another psychologist named B.F. Skinner realized that while classical conditioning was powerful, it could not account for all types of learning. He suggested that intentional behaviors and the consequences that follow were also important.

Skinner described a process known as operant conditioning in which actions followed by reinforcement become more likely to occur again. If a child cleans her room and her parents give her a treat as a reward, she will become more likely to clean her room in the future.

Actions immediately followed by punishment will make the behavior less likely to occur.  If you talk out of turn in class and the teacher reprimands you, chances are you will be less likely to speak out again without first raising your hand.

Operant conditioning is often used by parents, teachers, and behavioral therapists to help teach new behaviors and discourage undesirable ones.

A teacher, for example, might utilize praise and reward systems to encourage good classroom behavior, while also using punishments to minimize disruptive actions. Kids who behave appropriately might be awarded tokens, which they can then turn in to receive a reward. Those who disrupt class, on the other hand, might have to miss recess or some other desired activity.

Operant conditioning utilizes reinforcement and punishment to create associations between behaviors and the consequences for those behaviors.

For example, imagine that a parent punishes a child for throwing a toy. Because of this punishment, the child forms an association between the action (throwing) and a result (getting punished). As a result of this consequence, the child becomes less likely to throw the toy again in the future. Once this association is learned, the problematic behavior decreases.

There are a few different factors that can influence how quickly and how strongly a response is learned.

• The salience of the consequence can play a role, as well as the timing and frequency of the consequence.
• The timing and frequency of consequences in operant conditioning are known as schedules of reinforcement .

Key Terms and Definitions

The following are a few of the key terms that you should know and understand related to classical conditioning and operant conditioning:

• Conditioned Response
• Conditioned Stimulus
• Discrimination
• Fixed-Interval Schedule
• Fixed Ratio Schedule
• Habituation
• Negative Punishment
• Negative Reinforcement
• Positive Punishment
• Positive Reinforcement
• Stimulus Generalization
• Unconditioned Response
• Unconditioned Stimulus
• Variable-Interval Schedule
• Variable-Ratio Schedule

Classical vs. Operant Conditioning: Study Questions

As you study classical conditioning and operant conditioning, be sure that you are able to answer the following questions.

• What effect do schedules of reinforcement have on acquiring a new behavior?
• What are reinforcement and punishment? How do they differ?
• What are positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement?
• What are positive punishment and negative punishment?
• People often confuse punishment with negative reinforcement. How are they different?
• What are the differences between classical and operant conditioning?

Classical and operant conditioning can be powerful learning tools and have many real-world applications. Pavlov’s discovery may have occurred by accident, but it has influenced our understanding of how behaviors are learned.

Kendra Cherry, MS.Ed., is an author, educator, and founder of Explore Psychology, an online psychology resource. She is a health writer and editor specializing in psychology, mental health, and wellness. She also writes for Verywell Mind and is the author of the Everything Psychology book (Adams Media). Follow her on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram , and Pinterest .

Classical Conditioning vs Operant Conditioning (Table)

Both classical conditioning and operant conditioning are theories of learning. Each theory identifies how organisms learn and how that learning changes their behavior.

Classical conditioning says that organisms learn by association. Discerning associations between events that occur contiguously then produces changes in behavior. For example, a dog may realize that every time its owner opens a particular cabinet, food will be placed in its bowl. Understanding this connection leads to the animal getting excited every time the owner approaches the cabinet.

Operant conditioning says that the consequences that follow an action determine the likelihood of it occurring again. For example, a dog may realize that if it raises its paw when hearing its owner say “shake,” it will receive a small treat.

Both theories are in the school of behaviorism , which is focused on overt, observable behavior, as opposed to covert, internal mental processes.

Classical Conditioning vs Operant Conditioning

During the early to mid-1900s, behaviorism was the predominant theoretical orientation in psychology. Classical and operant conditioning are the two key forms of conditioning within behaviorism.

Here is a table comparison of the two:

Classical Conditioning Overview

Classical conditioning is sometimes referred to as Pavlovian conditioning , named after the Russian physiologist that first discovered this fundamental principle of learning.

Pavlov discovered classical conditioning when he was conducting research on the digestion system of animals. To do so, he attached a device to the inside of a dog’s mouth to collect the salivatory juices activated during the digestion process.

He would then present food to the dog and collect the juices to analyze their chemical properties. There was only one problem. After a while, his dogs would start to salivate before he presented the food.

One day it dawned on Pavlov that the dogs started to salivate when they heard the footsteps of his assistant who brought the food.

The dogs were learning by association: the sound of footsteps predicted food.

From there, Pavlov conducted various experiments and trained the dogs to salivate in response to the sound of a bell which he rang right before presenting the food.

And that was the beginning of one of the most insightful theories of learning in human history.

Key Terms in Classical Conditioning

There are 4 key terms to know when discussing classical conditioning.

• Unconditioned stimulus (UCS): This is the stimulus that naturally triggers a response. Food is a UCS because it naturally triggers a biological response such as salivation.
• Conditioned stimulus (CS): This is the stimulus that is initially neutral in that it does not trigger a response. However, by being associated with the UCS, it begins to trigger the response as well.
• Unconditioned response (UCR): This is the response that is triggered by the UCS. There is no learning by association needed.
• Conditioned response (CR): This is the term for the response that is triggered by the UCS after it has been associated with the CS.

Classical Conditioning Examples

• Treating a Fear of Spiders: Phobias are often treated by conditioning the patient to have a relaxed response to the fear-provoking stimulus. In the case of a spider phobia, the therapist first presents a black and white photo of a small spider, and teaches the patient how to control their body’s reaction through deep-breathing exercises. Over subsequent weeks, this process is repeated with more realistic photos, a toy spider, and eventually a very real spider placed in the patient’s hands.
• A Dog’s Reaction to the Can Opener: Whenever anyone in the family uses the electric can opener, the family’s dog immediately comes running. This is because the dog has learned that the sound of the can opener sometimes predicts food being placed in their bowl.
• In School: Students have learned, quickly, that the sound of the afternoon bell means school is over. So, whenever that bell sounds, they jump from their seats, pack their bags, and run out the door like there’s no tomorrow.
• In the Treatment of Onychophagia (nail-biting) ) : Neem oil has a very bitter taste, so when it is mixed with finger-nail polish, a person will begin to feel ill whenever they bite their nails. This conditions the person to associate nail-biting with feeling sick.
• Encouraging Reading: The parents of three children make sure their kids all read for at 30 minutes a day at a specific time. While the kids are reading, the parents put lavender oil in a diffuser so the air is filled with a pleasant and relaxing fragrance. They do this so the kids will associate reading with a positive emotional state.

Operant Conditioning Overview

B. F. Skinner (1965) is the most recognized researcher of operant conditioning. Skinner spent decades identifying different reinforcement schedules that produced different patterns of behavior.

However, the basic principles of operant conditioning can be traced back further in history to the work of Edward Thorndike and the Law of Effect (1898; 1905).

The Law of Effect states that:

“Responses that produce a satisfying effect in a particular situation become more likely to occur again in that situation, and responses that produce a discomforting effect become less likely to occur again in that situation” (Gray, 2007, p. 106).

Thorndike’s Contribution to Operant Conditioning

Thorndike developed the Law of Effect based on his research on how cats escaped an apparatus he created called a “puzzle box.”

The puzzle box was designed so that the only way the cat could escape was if it pressed on a panel or pulled on a rope, which then opened the door.

Thorndike would place a cat in the box and then record how long it took for it to escape. In the early trials, the cat would act chaotically until it accidentally discovered how to escape.

But with each trial, it took a little less time for the cat to escape. Over time, a trend emerged.

The graph below depicts the results for cat #12 in box A, based on the data presented in Thorndike’s 1898 publication (p. 15). The graph shows that it took nearly 3 minutes for the cat to escape in the first trial.

However, by trial 13, the cat was escaping in less than 10 seconds. Thorndike conducted numerous studies similar to this one. They all revealed the same general trend.

From these experiments, the famous Law of Effect was derived and proceeded to have a tremendous impact on our understanding of human behavior.

Skinner’s Reinforcement Schedules in Operant Conditioning

Skinner created an apparatus called the Skinner Box to conduct extensive studies on reinforcement schedules and how they shaped behavioral patterns.

A Skinner Box contains a lever, a place where food pellets can be dispensed, a wire floor that can be electrified, and a light.

By manipulating how often a food pellet was delivered when the animal (often a rat) pressed on a lever, Skinner identified four main schedules of reinforcement: fixed ratio , variable ratio , fixed interval , and variable interval .

Different schedules of reinforcement result in different patterns of behavior (Ferster & Skinner, 1957).

1. Fixed Ratio Schedule

The fixed ratio (FR) delivers a reward based on a specific number of behaviors occurring. For example, an FR-10 schedule will deliver a reward after 10 instances of the target behavior ; regardless of the amount of time that elapses. Fixed ratio schedules produce quick acquisition of the target behavior, followed by a strong and steady pattern. However, when reinforcement stops, the target behavior stops quickly. This is called extinction .

Read More about Fixed Ratio Schedules Here

2. Variable Ratio Schedule

With the variable ratio (VR) schedule, number of target behaviors required in order for reinforcement to be delivered varies. For example, in a VR-10 schedule, the target behavior may be reinforced after 7 instances, then 11, then 8, then 15. The number of target behaviors required for reinforcement changes, but on average, it will be 10. This VR schedule produces quick acquisition, a high rate of behavior, and no post-reinforcement pause. After reinforcement is terminated, extinction is slow.

Read More about Variable Ratio Schedules Here

3. Fixed Interval Schedule

The fixed interval (FI) schedule delivers reinforcement based on the amount of time that has elapsed. For example, with an FI-7 min. schedule, reinforcement will be delivered for the first target behavior exhibited after seven minutes. The number of target behaviors that occur during the interval is irrelevant. How quickly acquisition and extinction occur depends on the interval length; the shorter the interval, the quicker the behavior will be acquired and the quicker it will be extinguished once reinforcement is terminated.

Read More about Fixed Interval Schedules Here

4. Variable Interval Schedule

The variable interval (VI) schedule is also based on time elapsed, but the interval varies. For instance, with an VI-10 min. schedule, the first interval may be 11 minutes, followed by 4, then 9, and then maybe 10. Although the specific interval changes after each reinforcement has been delivered, it will average 10 minutes. The VI schedule results in a steady rate of behavior, slow acquisition and slow extinction.

Operant Conditioning Examples

• The Bi-weekly Paycheck ( Fixed Interval ): Being paid every two weeks is predictable and can result in a post-reinforcement pause for a few days after cashing the paycheck.    
• Landing a Job Interview ( Variable Ratio ): After applying to 10 jobs, a person gets called in for a job interview. Then, they get called for an interview after just applying for three other jobs. Over an extended period of time, landing an interview almost seems completely random.
• Sales Commissions ( Fixed Ratio ): Most people in sales are paid on a commission. Sometimes the commission is paid after each and every sale, and sometimes it’s paid after meeting a quota.  
• The Yearly Bonus ( Fixed Interval ) : Many top executives are given an end of year bonus, usually based on their performance evaluations for that year.
• Pop Quizzes ( Variable Interval ) : The pop-quiz means that a teacher may give two or three quizzes one week, but then not give another one for two weeks. The amount of time between quizzes changes.

Classical and operant conditioning are theories of learning that explain how organisms such as human beings learn. By seeing the connections between events or experiencing consequences, we learn about eh environment in which we live.

We learn what predicts the occurrence of another event or stimulus, or we learn about which behaviors we engage will be rewarded or punished.

Classical conditioning explains how a person can develop a fear of certain objects, and how that fear can be treated. A therapist will teach a client how to relax whenever seeing that feared stimulus. Over a period of time, the client will no longer feel anxiety when seeing that stimulus.

Operant conditioning helps managers and teachers shape the behavior of their staff or students. By reinforcing certain behaviors at certain times, those behaviors will become stronger and more frequent.

Ferster, C. B., & Skinner, B. F. (1957). Schedules of reinforcement . New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.

Gray, P. (2007). Psychology (6 th ed.). Worth Publishers, NY.

Madden, G. J. (2012). APA Handbook of Behavior Analysis (APA Handbooks in Psychology) . New York: ABA.

Skinner, B. F. (1965). Science and human behavior . New York: Free Press.Thorndike, E. L. (1898). Animal intelligence: An experimental study of the associative processes in animals. The Psychological Review: Monograph Supplements , 2 (4), i.

Thorndike, E. L. (1905). The elements of psychology . New York: A. G. Seiler.

Watson, J. B. (1913). Psychology as the behaviorist views it. Psychological Review , 20 (2), 158-177.

Dave Cornell (PhD)

Dr. Cornell has worked in education for more than 20 years. His work has involved designing teacher certification for Trinity College in London and in-service training for state governments in the United States. He has trained kindergarten teachers in 8 countries and helped businessmen and women open baby centers and kindergartens in 3 countries.

• Dave Cornell (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/dave-cornell-phd/ 25 Positive Punishment Examples
• Dave Cornell (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/dave-cornell-phd/ 25 Dissociation Examples (Psychology)
• Dave Cornell (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/dave-cornell-phd/ 15 Zone of Proximal Development Examples
• Dave Cornell (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/dave-cornell-phd/ Perception Checking: 15 Examples and Definition

Chris Drew (PhD)

This article was peer-reviewed and edited by Chris Drew (PhD). The review process on Helpful Professor involves having a PhD level expert fact check, edit, and contribute to articles. Reviewers ensure all content reflects expert academic consensus and is backed up with reference to academic studies. Dr. Drew has published over 20 academic articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education and holds a PhD in Education from ACU.

• Chris Drew (PhD) #molongui-disabled-link 25 Positive Punishment Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) #molongui-disabled-link 25 Dissociation Examples (Psychology)
• Chris Drew (PhD) #molongui-disabled-link 15 Zone of Proximal Development Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) #molongui-disabled-link Perception Checking: 15 Examples and Definition

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We use cookies to enhance our website for you. Proceed if you agree to this policy or learn more about it.

• Essay Database >
• Essay Examples >
• Essays Topics >
• Essay on Psychology

Essay On Compare And Contrast Classical And Operant Conditioning Essay

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Psychology , Pets , Dog , Sound , Operant Conditioning , Behavior , Training , Food

Published: 01/30/2020

ORDER PAPER LIKE THIS

Classical conditioning and operant conditioning are two concepts of learning that are integral to behavioral psychology. Although the processes differ to quite an extent, they tend to complement one another, and the ultimate result of both concepts is learning. Although both conditioning practices were pioneered by different individuals, both believed in the general principle that investigating behaviors through experiments should be the basis of psychology. Ivan Pavlov, a Russian psychologist, was the one who unintentionally discovered the concept of classical conditioning while carrying out research on canine digestive patterns. According to his findings, His findings supported the idea that we may develop unnatural responses to some stimuli (Pavlov, 1927). B. F. Skinner, an American psychologist coined the term operant conditioning based on his belief that examining at the causes and consequences of an action reveal a lot about behavior (Skinner, 1953). Thus, in classical conditioning a neutral stimuli is placed before a reflex and it focuses on automatic, involuntary behaviors, while in operant conditioning punishment or reinforcement is applied after a behavior and it focuses on voluntary behaviors.

How Does Classical Conditioning Work?

In Pavlov’s famous experiment, Pavlov observed that repeatedly pairing the sound of bell while presenting his dogs with food caused them to salivate (Pavlov, 1927). In classical conditioning, a stimulus in the learning process that was previously neutral is paired with a stimulus that is unconditioned. The unconditioned stimulus triggers a natural response, for instance, the dog had always salivated whenever the food was presented to them. However, when the neutral and unconditioned response is paired, it triggers an unnatural response; for instance, eventually the dogs began salivating merely to the sound of the bell.

How Does Operant Conditioning Work?

In operant conditioning a behavior is encouraged or discouraged by using either punishment or reinforcement. This process ends up establishing a bond between the behavior and its consequences. For instance, a trainer who is trying to teach a dog how to fetch a ball praises the dog as a reward whenever it successfully chases and brings back the ball. The trainer does not praise the dog whenever it is unsuccessful in bringing back the ball. Ultimately, the dog understands that the praise it is receiving is somehow associated with its behavior of fetching the ball successfully.

How Are Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning Different From Each Other?

Whether the behavior is involuntary or voluntary is the major aspect that distinguishes classical and operant conditioning from each other. According to classical conditioning, we tend to pair certain stimuli (Pavlov, 1927), for instance, a song to a person or a situation, and listening to the song may trigger unintentional response, in the form of perhaps happiness or sadness, merely based on the person or situation it was associated with. According to operant conditioning, we learn from our consequences in our everyday life and they shape our voluntary behavior (Skinner, 1953). For instance, we often make mistakes in life, but we usually do not voluntarily make the same mistake again because of the consequence that had occurred as a result of that mistake. These days, classical and operant conditioning are employed for numerous purposes, such as animal training, parenting, psychology, teaching, etc. While training an animal, a trainer may make use of classical conditioning by pairing the taste of food with the sound of a clicker, almost like Pavlov did. Eventually, the dog will began responding to the clicker just as it would to the taste of food. In a classroom, a teacher may use operant conditioning reward students that behave well by giving them tokens. Students will learn that they can earn behavior by behaving properly and will be encouraged to do so. A recent breakthrough in classical conditioning include that animals, especially invertebrates such as fish, use classical conditioning for reproduction and survival ("Psychologist Karen Hollis"). A major breakthrough in operant conditioning is the discovery that affective disorders, such as borderline personality disorder and reactive attachment disorder, can be treated using operant conditioning (Othmer, 2002). Despite their differences, both classical conditioning and operant conditioning are psychological theories that are often used in behavioral therapy. In both theories, the focus is to learn associations to behaviors, whether involuntary or voluntary. Certain stimuli in the environment always control the responses. Reinforcement of both types of conditioning is necessary because neither is capable of lasting forever. Both classical and operant conditioning allows new behaviors to be built on ones that are previously established.

Othmer, S. (2002, Feb). On the use of EEG operant conditioning as a treatment for affective disorders, including reactive attachment disorder and borderline personality disorder. Retrieved from http://www.eeginfo.com/research/articles/general_12.htm Pavlov, I. P. (1927). Conditioned reflexes. Mineola, New York: Courier Dover Publications. Psychologist Karen Hollis "goes fishing" and nets a research breakthrough. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mtholyoke.edu/offices/comm/csj/970221/hollis.html Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. New York, NY: Free Press.

Cite this page

Share with friends using:

Removal Request

Finished papers: 1764

This paper is created by writer with

ID 281364926

If you want your paper to be:

Well-researched, fact-checked, and accurate

Original, fresh, based on current data

Eloquently written and immaculately formatted

275 words = 1 page double-spaced

Get your papers done by pros!

Other Pages

Relationships creative writings, finance creative writings, investment creative writings, stock market creative writings, internet creative writings, medicine creative writings, children creative writings, marketing creative writings, shakespeare creative writings, company creative writings, security creative writings, athens creative writings, love story research papers, immersion literature reviews, love song literature reviews, hands personal statements, educator personal statements, internal medicine personal statements, the first two lines of frosts poem goes literature review, free essay on one art by elizabeth bishop, the advertising brief course work examples, course work on verbal and nonverbal communication, schizophrenia as a disorder of disconnectivity article review, 6 online economic microeconomics news articles article review sample, inaugural address research paper examples, case study on premarital education, harry truman and his impact on the cold war research paper examples, free research paper on what impact does teen pregnancy have on the family, essay on developing an implementation plan, free research paper on developing an implementation plan, example of essay on south africans, free essay on midterm, research paper on eigrp, armchair essays, sprinkles essays, sunbeam essays, mobster essays, data structure essays, leek essays, cofactor essays, gillman essays, omalley essays.

Password recovery email has been sent to [email protected]

Use your new password to log in

You are not register!

By clicking Register, you agree to our Terms of Service and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Now you can download documents directly to your device!

Check your email! An email with your password has already been sent to you! Now you can download documents directly to your device.

or Use the QR code to Save this Paper to Your Phone

The sample is NOT original!

Short on a deadline?

Don't waste time. Get help with 11% off using code - GETWOWED

No, thanks! I'm fine with missing my deadline

• TOP CATEGORIES
• AS and A Level
• University Degree
• International Baccalaureate
• Uncategorised
• 5 Star Essays
• Study Tools
• Study Guides
• Meet the Team
• Biological Sciences
• Developmental Psychology

COMPARE AND CONTRAST CLASSICAL CONDITIONING WITH OPERANT CONDITIONING

The learning theory has been emphasised and scrutinised since the age of the ancient Greek philosophers. However it was the nineteenth century that marked major development into the study of learning. In particular In particular the work of Ian Petrovich Pavlov (2849-1936) brought forward the phenomena of classical conditioning. It can be defined as ‘A form of learning in which a previously neutral stimulus, the conditioned stimulus (CS), is paired with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) regardless of what the animal does.’ (Smith et al, 2003) In 1911, Edward Thorndike (1874-1949) proposed his theory the ‘Law of Effect’ within operant conditioning. However his work would be surpassed with the work of B.F. Skinner (1904-1990). He was able to show the clear distinction between classical and operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is ‘a form of learning in which the reinforcer (e.g. food) is given only if the animal performs the desired response (e.g. pressing a lever)’ (Gleitman, 2003)

There are many comparisons and contrasts within the acquisition of both learning theories. In his study of classical conditioning Pavlov used animals because he believed they would give ‘considerable insights into the workings of the human brain.’ (Fulcher, 2003) From previous research Pavlov was aware that when a dog is presented with food, it begins to salivate. He then repeatedly rang a bell (CS) before the food (UCS) was presented to the dog. The results of his research showed that before classical conditioning the UCS would result in an unconditioned response, UCR (salivation). Before classical conditioning, when the CS was presented alone, the dog showed no response. During classical conditioning the CS and the UCS were paired together resulting in a conditioned response, CR (salivation). After classical conditioning when the CS was presented alone the dog would begin to salivate before the food was even visible. From this it can be shown that unconditioned reflexes are part of the organism’s biology whilst conditioned responses are acquired through learning.

This is a preview of the whole essay

        In 1911, Thorndike invented the ‘Puzzle Box.’ Similar to Pavlov, he too used animals in his experiments. A cat was placed inside a box with a door that could be opened by pressing a lever. When the cat was placed in the box the first time, its first response was meowing, clawing, etc. this continued for several minutes until the cat accidentally hit the lever which opened the door. Following tests showed less struggles and less time to press the lever, which opened the door. One might expect that the cat understood the relationship between the lever and the door. However when analysing his results Thorndike discovered that the cats learned to escape from the box gradually showing that the cats did not understand of the problems solution. Instead he proposed that the Law of Effect had taken place. In reference to the cat, its initial response (meowing, etc) is not rewarded. However, by pulling the lever the cat is able to escape and receives a reward of food. The Law of Effect refers to a response being strengthened when it is followed y a positive reward and a response being weakened when followed by a negative reward or none at all.

        Skinner adopted a different approach to operant learning. His focus was the response rate of the organism. He crafted an experimental chamber, which would measure the animals’ response rate. Instead of placing the animals in a box, as Thorndike did, he placed the animal in the presence of the lever. The animal would remain in the presence of the lever for about an hour until the animal learns that pressing the lever is a good way to obtain food, thus causing reinforcement. The rate at which they press the lever would be recorded. From his results Skinner discovered that the faster the response rate the faster reinforcement would be achieved.

Further research into classical conditioning showed that extinction is achievable. The method used is not different from the one used to establish the conditioning initially. The CR will disappear if the CS is repeatedly presented alone without the UCS. The dog will begin to salivate less and learn that the CS is no longer a signal for food. Spontaneous recovery is also achievable through reconditioning studies have shown that the learning progresses quicker than the initial conditioning did. In addition, Pavlov was able to show the animals could generalise. The animals can respond to a range of stimuli that are similar to the original CS. For example, a dog conditioned to respond to yellow light will also respond to orange light although the response will be weaker. Animals can also be conditioned to discriminate within classical conditioning. For example, a dog will be conditioned to salivate only to a black square. When shown a grey square, he dog will at first salivate but after repeatedly not receiving the food (UCS), it will learn to salivate only to the black square and never to the grey one.

        Extinction can also be achieved in operant conditioning. In this case, extinction will be observed if the lever pressing (response) does not obtain food (reinforcer). External stimuli are not used in operant conditioning but generalisation and discrimination can still be achieved. For example, a pigeon trained to peck at a yellow light, will be less inclined to peck at a light of a different wavelength. Shaping can also be achieved. An animal can be trained to give a complex response through the reinforcement of successive approximations. ‘In shaping the reinforcement becomes more specific as behaviour approaches the desired response.’ (Fulcher, 2003)

Classical conditioning can be applied to other aspects of life. For example, classical conditioning can be used to cure phobias. This is achieved by pairing the phobia (UCS) with a normal behaviour such as eating (CS). The role of the CS is to make the person relax and remain calm. Therefore when paired together repeatedly the UCS will no longer be feared. Aversion therapy also uses classical conditioning to cure addiction or habits such as smoking. The technique used is to associate the habit with something aversive such as vomiting. Raymond (1964) used this procedure to help a fourteen year old to stop smoking. Whenever the boy smoked, he was given an injection of apomorphine, which causes vomiting. The result of this was that the boy felt ill whenever he smoked.

        Operant conditioning can also be used socially. For example, token economies can be used with children, in the workplace and even in detention centres. Philips (1968) showed that when juvenile delinquents are given snacks, money or special privileges for good behaviour, there was a major increase in good behaviour and more time was spent studying and completing homework. Operant conditioning can also be used to help explain why people suffer from depression. It is thought that people find themselves ‘helpless’ after experiencing events in which they cannot control and thus fall into depression.

In conclusion, there are many comparisons and contrasts between classical and operant conditioning. In comparison when discussing acquisition, both classical and operant conditioning needs repeated episodes to achieve the desired response. Extinction, recovery, discrimination and generalisation both occur in the conditionings. Both classical and operant conditioning are applied socially, however, they are used in different circumstances. In contrast, classical conditioning is autonomic i.e. the responses are typically reflexive. For example, salivation. Whilst in operant conditioning responses are sympathetic i.e. the responses are spontaneous. When discussing acquisition, reinforcement depends on the proper response. However in classical condition the US is still presented even if the desired response is incorrect.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Fulcher, e. cognitive psychology  (2003) crucial, glasgow.

Gleitman H., Fridland, A.J. and Reisberg Psychology   (5 th  edition) New York: W.W. Norton, 1998

Smith, E., Nolan-Hoeksema, S., Fredrickson, B., and Loftus G.R. (2003) Hilgard and Atkinson’s Introduction to Psychology (14 th  Ed) London: Thomson-Wadsworth

Document Details

• Word Count 1314
• Page Count 5
• Level University Degree
• Subject Biological Sciences

Related Essays

Compare and contrast classical and operant conditioning.

Classical and Operant Conditioning.

'Describe the major phenomena of learning that are common to both Classical...

Describe the major phenomena of learning that are common to both classical...

Home — Essay Samples — Psychology — Operant Conditioning — The Connection Between Classical And Operant Conditioning

The Connection Between Classical and Operant Conditioning

• Categories: Operant Conditioning

About this sample

Words: 899 |

Published: Jun 9, 2021

Words: 899 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

• Last Updated November 30th, 2018 07:12 pm. (n.d.). Operant Conditioning (B.F. Skinner). Retrieved from https://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/operant-conditioning/.
• Mcleod, S. (2018, August 21). Classical Conditioning. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/classical-conditioning.html.
• Bouton, M. E. (2019). Conditioning and learning. In R. Biswas-Diener & E. Diener (Eds), Noba textbook series: Psychology. Champaign, IL: DEF publishers. Retrieved from http://noba.to/ajxhcqdr
• King, L.A. (2016). The Science of Psychology: An Appreciative View. McGraw-Hill Education.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Prof. Kifaru

Verified writer

• Expert in: Psychology

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

3 pages / 1549 words

1 pages / 597 words

4 pages / 2574 words

1 pages / 487 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning is based on the premise that behavior is shaped and learned through consequences. The three key elements of this concept include reinforcement, punishment, and extinction. Reinforcement refers to the process [...]

“Classical Conditioning” Lumen Boundless Psychology, the-difference-between-positive-and-negative-punishment/

This essay will explore the possible application of operant conditioning strategies in the classroom to encourage students to be more participative during class and to be more proactive in completing their assignments and [...]

A theory is a formal idea or set of ideas that is meant to explain something. Learning Theories are conceptual frames that describe the manner in which the information is learned, processed and held during learning. Usually, the [...]

The theory that I chose to write about is B.F. Skinner’s Operant Conditioning because it intrigues me and is the one that I agree with the most. B.F. Skinner is an incredible American psychologist who developed one of the most [...]

I tend to refer to a person as a human rather than a person. For example, just yesterday I was asking one of my friends about finding someone to participate in a group event and the conversation goes as follows, “Are you just [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free