Operant and Classical Conditioning: Key Differences and Examples

The key difference is that operant conditioning involves reinforcement or punishment after a behavior, while classical conditioning involves associating an involuntary response with a stimulus.

An example of operant conditioning is a student receiving a gold star for completing homework, leading to an increase in the likelihood of the student doing homework in the future.

Classical conditioning contributes to the development of phobias by associating a neutral stimulus with a fearful response, leading to an irrational fear response to the neutral stimulus.

Operant conditioning = Learning through consequences such as rewards and punishments Classical conditioning = Learning through association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus Reinforcement = Increasing the likelihood of a behavior Pavlov's dog experiment = Demonstration of classical conditioning with dogs salivating in response to a bell

B.F. Skinner = Associated with operant conditioning and the concept of reinforcement Ivan Pavlov = Known for his research on classical conditioning using dogs John B. Watson = Established the principles of behaviorism and conducted the 'Little Albert' experiment Edward Thorndike = Introduced the Law of Effect and conducted research on instrumental learning

Teaching a dog to sit by giving a treat every time it sits = Operant conditioning A child developing a fear of thunder after experiencing a loud storm = Classical conditioning A student studying harder after receiving praise for good grades = Operant conditioning Feeling anxious when entering a hospital due to past negative experiences there = Classical conditioning