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Classical and operant conditioning theory of learning
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,5
while classical conditioning involves no such enticements.

Differences Between Classical vs. Operant Conditioning

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What are the basic features of the classical conditioning model of learning?
Classical conditioning is a form of learning whereby a conditioned stimulus (CS)
becomes associated with an unrelated unconditioned stimulus (US) in order to
produce a behavioral response known as a conditioned response (CR). The
conditioned response is the learned response to the previously neutral stimulus.

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of the classical conditioning model of learning?

Classical conditioning is a form of learning whereby a conditioned stimulus (CS)

becomes associated with an unrelated unconditioned stimulus (US) in order to
produce a behavioral response known as a conditioned response (CR). The
conditioned response is the learned response to the previously neutral stimulus.
What are the 5 components of classical conditioning?
There 5 key elements when discussing Classical Condition which are: Unconditioned
Stimulus (UCS), Unconditioned Response (UCR), Neutral Stimulus (NS),
Conditioned Stimulus (CS) and Conditioned Response (CR). This is best described
in an example.
1.
What is the main idea of classical conditioning theory?
Classical conditioning (also known as Pavlovian or respondent conditioning) is learning
through association and was discovered by Pavlov, a Russian physiologist. In simple
terms, two stimuli are linked together to produce a new learned response in a person or
animal
What are the 4 principles of classical conditioning?
The stages or principles of classical conditioning are acquisition, extinction,
Spontaneous recovery, stimulus generalization and Stimulus discrimination
What are the theories of classical conditioning?
Classical conditioning (also known as Pavlovian or respondent conditioning) is
learning through association and was discovered by Pavlov, a Russian physiologist. In
simple terms, two stimuli are linked together to produce a new learned response in a
person or animal.
What is the main idea of classical conditioning theory?
Classical conditioning (also known as Pavlovian or respondent conditioning) is learning
through association and was discovered by Pavlov, a Russian physiologist. In simple
terms, two stimuli are linked together to produce a new learned response in a person or
animal.
What is classical theory?
The Classical Theory of Concepts. ... The classical theory implies that every complex
concept has a classical analysis, where a classical analysis of a concept is a
proposition giving metaphysically necessary and jointly sufficient conditions for being in
the extension across possible worlds for that concept.
The key learning theories are Classical Conditioning, Operant Conditioning and Social Learning. Let’s
have a closer look at all these three major theories of learning.

Classical Conditioning Theory and Learning

The key premises of Classical Conditioning theory was established by Russian Physiologist named
Ivan Pavlov, who first discovered the crucial principles of classical learning theory with the help of an
experiment done on dogs to study their digestive processes. The Nobel Prize laureate of 1904, while
studying the digestive processes in dogs came across a very interesting observation during his
experimentation. He noticed that his subject would begin to salivate by seeing the lab assistant with
white lab coats entering into the room before being fed. Though Pavlov’s discovery is originally an
accidental discovery, but later with the help of his experiments the classical conditioning theory
came into existence. His Classical conditioning theory played a crucial role in explaining the
important psychological concepts like learning and equally established the foundation for the
behavioural school of thought. Behaviourism is based on two major assumptions:
 1. Learning takes place as a result of the interactions with the environmental forces.
2. The environmental forces play a key role in shaping the behaviour.

According to Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning theory, learning takes place because of association
which is established between a previously neutral stimulus and a natural stimulus. It should be
noted, that Classical Conditioning places a neutral stimulus before the naturally occurring reflexes.
In his experiment, he tried to pair the natural stimulus that is food with a bell sound. The dogs
would salivate with the natural occurrence of food, but after repeated associations, the dogs
salivated just by hearing the sound of the bell alone. The focus of Classical Conditioning theory is on
automatic and naturally occurring behaviours.

Key Principles of Classical Conditioning Theory

1. Acquisition: This is the starting stage of learning during which a response is established
firstly and then gradually strengthened. During the acquisition phase, a neutral stimulus is
paired with an unconditioned stimulus which can automatically or naturally trigger or
generate a response without any learning. Once this association is established between the
neutral stimulus and unconditioned stimulus, the subject will exhibit a behavioural response
which is now known as conditioned stimulus. Once a behavioural response is established,
the same can be gradually strengthened or reinforced to make sure that the behaviour is
learnt.
2. Extinction: Extinction is expected to take place when the intensity of a conditioned response
decreases or disappears completely. In classical conditioning, this occurs when a
conditioned stimulus is no longer associated or paired with the unconditioned stimulus.
3. Spontaneous Recovery: When a learnt or a conditioned response suddenly reappears after
a brief resting period or suddenly re-emerges after a short period of extinction, the process
is considered as a spontaneous recovery.
4. Stimulus Generalization: It is the tendency of the conditioned stimulus to evoke the similar
kind of responses once the responses have been conditioned, which occurs as a result of
stimulus generalization.
5. Stimulus Discrimination: Discrimination is the ability of the subject to discriminate
between stimuli with other similar stimuli. It means, not responding to those stimuli which is
not similar, but responding only to certain specific stimuli.

The theory of Classical Conditioning has several applications in the real-world. It is helpful for
various pet trainers for helping them train their pets. Classical conditioning techniques can also be
beneficial in helping people deal with their phobias or anxiety issues. The trainers or teachers can
also put to practise the Classical Conditioning theory by building a positive or a highly motivated
classroom environment for helping the students to overcome their phobias and deliver their best
performance.

Operant Conditioning Theory and Learning

Renowned Behavioural Psychologist B.F. Skinner was the main proponent of Operant conditioning
theory. It is for this reason that the Operant Conditioning is also known as Skinnerian Conditioning
and Instrumental Conditioning. Just like Classical Conditioning, Instrumental/Operant Conditioning
lays emphasis on forming associations, but these associations are established between behaviour
and behavioural consequences. The theory stressed on the role of punishment or reinforcements
for increasing or decreasing the probability of the same behaviour to be repeated in the future. But
the condition is that the consequences must immediately follow a behavioural pattern. The focus of
operant conditioning is on voluntary behavioural patterns.

Key Components of Operant Conditioning

 Reinforcement: Reinforcements strengthen or increase the intensity of behaviour. This can
be Positive and Negative.

Positive Reinforcement: When a favourable event or an outcome is associated with

behaviour in the form of a reward or praise, it is called as positive reinforcement. For
example, a boss may associate bonus with outstanding achievements at work.

Negative Reinforcement: This involves removal of an unfavourable or an unpleasant event

after a behavioural outcome. In this case, the intensity of a response is strengthened by
removing the unpleasant experiences.

 Punishment: The objective of punishment is to decrease the intensity of a behavioural

outcome, which may be negative or positive.

Positive Punishment: This involves application of punishment by presenting an unfavourable

event or outcome in response to a behaviour. Spanking for an unacceptable behaviour is an
example of positive punishment.

Negative Punishment: It is associated with the removal of a favourable event or an outcome

in response to a behaviour which needs to be weakened. Holding the promotion of an
employee for not being able to perform up to the expectations of the management can be
an example of a negative punishment.

 Reinforcement Schedules: According to Skinner, the schedule of reinforcement with focus

on timing as well as the frequency of reinforcement, determined how quickly new behaviour
can be learned and old behaviours can be altered.

Learning by Observation
According to Albert Bandura, learning cannot simply be based merely on associations or
reinforcements which he has mentioned in his writings in his book Social Learning Theory which
was published in 1977. Instead, his focus was on learning based on observation, which he has
proven through his well known Bobo Doll experiment. He reckoned that children keenly observe
their surroundings and the behaviour of people around them particularly their caregivers, teachers
and siblings and try to imitate those behaviours in their day to day life. He also tried proving through
his experiment that children can easily imitate the negative behaviours or actions.

Another important principle of Bandura’s Social Learning Theory was that learning something by
way of observation, need not necessarily mean that it would lead to a change in the behaviour. This
behavioural change is entirely influenced by the felt need or motivation of a person to endorse and
adopt a behavioural change.
 Key Steps involved in Observational Learning

 Attention: Attention is very important for learning to take place effectively by following
observational techniques. A novel concept or a unique idea is expected to attract the
attention far more strongly than those which are routine or mundane in nature.
 Retention: It is the ability to store the learnt information and recall it later, which is equally
affected by a number of factors.
 Reproduction: It involves practising or emulating the learnt behaviour, which will further
lead to the advancement of the skill.
 Motivation: Motivation to imitate the learnt behaviour of a model depends a lot on the
reinforcement and punishment. For example, an office-goer may be motivated to report to
office on time by seeing his colleague being rewarded for his punctuality and timeliness.

 What is operant conditioning theory of learning?

 Operant conditioning, sometimes referred to as instrumental conditioning, is a
method of learning that employs rewards and punishments for behavior.
Through operant conditioning, an association is made between a behavior and a
consequence (whether negative or positive) for that behavior

What Is Operant Conditioning and How Does It

Work?
How Reinforcement and Punishment Modify Behavior
By 
Kendra Cherry 
 Reviewed by 
David Susman, PhD 

on June 04, 2020

Print 
Table of Contents
 History
 Behavior Types
 Components
 Examples

Operant conditioning, sometimes referred to as instrumental conditioning, is

a method of learning that employs rewards and punishments for behavior.
Through operant conditioning, an association is made between a behavior
and a consequence (whether negative or positive) for that behavior.1

For example, when lab rats press a lever when a green light is on, they
receive a food pellet as a reward. When they press the lever when a red light
is on, they receive a mild electric shock. As a result, they learn to press the
lever when the green light is on and avoid the red light.

But operant conditioning is not just something that takes place in

experimental settings while training lab animals. It also plays a powerful role
in everyday learning. Reinforcement and punishment take place in natural
settings all the time, as well as in more structured settings such as
classrooms or therapy sessions.

Verywell / Joshua Seong

The History of Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning was first described by behaviorist B.F. Skinner, which is
why you may occasionally hear it referred to as Skinnerian conditioning.1 As
a behaviorist, Skinner believed that it was not really necessary to look at
internal thoughts and motivations in order to explain behavior. Instead, he
suggested, we should look only at the external, observable causes of human
behavior.

Through the first part of the 20th century, behaviorism became a major
force within psychology. The ideas of John B. Watson dominated this school
of thought early on. Watson focused on the principles of classical
conditioning, once famously suggesting that he could take any person
regardless of their background and train them to be anything he chose.2

Early behaviorists focused their interests on associative learning. Skinner

was more interested in how the consequences of people's actions influenced
their behavior.

Skinner used the term operant to refer to any "active behavior that operates
upon the environment to generate consequences." Skinner's theory
explained how we acquire the range of learned behaviors we exhibit every
day.

His theory was heavily influenced by the work of psychologist Edward

Thorndike, who had proposed what he called the law of effect.3 According to
this principle, actions that are followed by desirable outcomes are more
likely to be repeated while those followed by undesirable outcomes are less
likely to be repeated.

Operant conditioning relies on a fairly simple premise: Actions that are

followed by reinforcement will be strengthened and more likely to occur
again in the future. If you tell a funny story in class and everybody laughs,
you will probably be more likely to tell that story again in the future.

If you raise your hand to ask a question and your teacher praises your polite
behavior, you will be more likely to raise your hand the next time you have a
question or comment. Because the behavior was followed by reinforcement,
or a desirable outcome, the preceding action is strengthened.

Conversely, actions that result in punishment or undesirable consequences

will be weakened and less likely to occur again in the future. If you tell the
same story again in another class but nobody laughs this time, you will be
less likely to repeat the story again in the future. If you shout out an answer
in class and your teacher scolds you, then you might be less likely to
interrupt the class again.

Types of Behaviors
Skinner distinguished between two different types of behaviors

 Respondent behaviors are those that occur automatically and

reflexively, such as pulling your hand back from a hot stove or jerking
your leg when the doctor taps on your knee. You don't have to learn
these behaviors. They simply occur automatically and involuntarily.
 Operant behaviors, on the other hand, are those under
our conscious control. Some may occur spontaneously and others
purposely, but it is the consequences of these actions that then
influence whether or not they occur again in the future. Our actions on
the environment and the consequences of that action make up an
important part of the learning process.
While classical conditioning could account for respondent behaviors, Skinner
realized that it could not account for a great deal of learning. Instead,
Skinner suggested that operant conditioning held far greater importance.

Skinner invented different devices during his boyhood and he put these skills
to work during his studies on operant conditioning. He created a device
known as an operant conditioning chamber, often referred to today as
a Skinner box. The chamber could hold a small animal, such as a rat or
pigeon. The box also contained a bar or key that the animal could press in
order to receive a reward.

In order to track responses, Skinner also developed a device known as a

cumulative recorder. The device recorded responses as an upward
movement of a line so that response rates could be read by looking at the
slope of the line.

Components of Operant Conditioning

There are several key concepts in operant conditioning.

Reinforcement in Operant Conditioning

Reinforcement is any event that strengthens or increases the behavior it
follows. There are two kinds of reinforcers. In both of these cases of
reinforcement, the behavior increases.

1. Positive reinforcers are favorable events or outcomes that are

presented after the behavior. In positive reinforcement situations, a
response or behavior is strengthened by the addition of praise or a
direct reward. If you do a good job at work and your manager gives
you a bonus, that bonus is a positive reinforcer.
2. Negative reinforcers involve the removal of an unfavorable events
or outcomes after the display of a behavior. In these situations, a
response is strengthened by the removal of something considered
unpleasant. For example, if your child starts to scream in the middle of
a restaurant, but stops once you hand them a treat, your action led to
the removal of the unpleasant condition, negatively reinforcing your
behavior (not your child's).

 Reinforcement in Conditioning Behavior

Punishment in Operant Conditioning

Punishment is the presentation of an adverse event or outcome that causes
a decrease in the behavior it follows. There are two kinds of punishment. In
both of these cases, the behavior decreases.

1. Positive punishment , sometimes referred to as punishment by

application, presents an unfavorable event or outcome in order to
weaken the response it follows. Spanking for misbehavior is an
example of punishment by application.
2. Negative punishment, also known as punishment by removal,
occurs when a favorable event or outcome is removed after a behavior
occurs. Taking away a child's video game following misbehavior is an
example of negative punishment.

 Punishment and its Influence on Behavior

Reinforcement Schedules
Reinforcement is not necessarily a straightforward process, and there are a
number of factors that can influence how quickly and how well new things
are learned. Skinner found that when and how often behaviors were
reinforced played a role in the speed and strength of acquisition. In other
words, the timing and frequency of reinforcement influenced how new
behaviors were learned and how old behaviors were modified.

Skinner identified several different schedules of reinforcement that impact

the operant conditioning process:4

1. Continuous reinforcement involves delivering a reinforcement every

time a response occurs. Learning tends to occur relatively quickly, yet
the response rate is quite low. Extinction also occurs very quickly once
reinforcement is halted.
2. Fixed-ratio schedules are a type of partial reinforcement. Responses
are reinforced only after a specific number of responses have occurred.
This typically leads to a fairly steady response rate.
3. Fixed-interval schedules are another form of partial reinforcement.
Reinforcement occurs only after a certain interval of time has elapsed.
Response rates remain fairly steady and start to increase as the
reinforcement time draws near, but slow immediately after the
reinforcement has been delivered.
4. Variable-ratio schedules are also a type of partial reinforcement
that involve reinforcing behavior after a varied number of responses.
This leads to both a high response rate and slow extinction rates.
5. Variable-interval schedules are the final form of partial
reinforcement Skinner described. This schedule involves delivering
 reinforcement after a variable amount of time has elapsed. This also
tends to lead to a fast response rate and slow extinction rate.

 Reinforcement Schedules and How They Work

Examples of Operant Conditioning

We can find examples of operant conditioning at work all around us.
Consider the case of children completing homework to earn a reward from a
parent or teacher, or employees finishing projects to receive praise or
promotions. More examples of operant conditioning in action include:

 After performing in a community theater play, you receive applause

from the audience. This acts as a positive reinforcer, inspiring you to
try out for more performance roles.
 You train your dog to fetch by offering him praise and a pat on the
head whenever he performs the behavior correctly. This is
another positive reinforcer.
 A professor tells students that if they have perfect attendance all
semester, then they do not have to take the final comprehensive
exam. By removing an unpleasant stimulus (the final test), students
are negatively reinforced to attend class regularly.
 If you fail to hand in a project on time, your boss becomes angry and
berates your performance in front of your co-workers. This acts as
a positive punisher, making it less likely that you will finish projects
late in the future.
 A teen girl does not clean up her room as she was asked, so her
parents take away her phone for the rest of the day. This is an
example of a negative punishment in which a positive stimulus is taken
away.

In some of these examples, the promise or possibility of rewards causes an

increase in behavior. Operant conditioning can also be used to decrease a
behavior via the removal of a desirable outcome or the application of a
negative outcome. For example, a child may be told they will lose recess
privileges if they talk out of turn in class. This potential for punishment may
lead to

The basic concept behind operant conditioning is that a stimulus (antecedent) leads to a
behavior, which then leads to a consequence. This form of conditioning involves reinforcers,
both positive and negative, as well as primary, secondary, and generalized. Primary reinforcers
are things like food, shelter, and watera decrease in disruptive behaviors.
Operant Conditioning: A Definition

The basic concept behind operant conditioning is that a stimulus (antecedent) leads
to a behavior, which then leads to a consequence. This form of conditioning involves
reinforcers, both positive and negative, as well as primary, secondary, and generalized.

There are a total of five consequences.

1. Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior (response) is rewarding or the behavior is

followed by another stimulus that is rewarding, increasing the frequency of that behavior.
[17]
 For example, if a rat in a Skinner box gets food when it presses a lever, its rate of
pressing will go up. This procedure is usually called simply reinforcement.
2. Negative reinforcement (a.k.a. escape) occurs when a behavior (response) is followed by
the removal of an aversive stimulus, thereby increasing the original behavior's frequency. In
the Skinner Box experiment, the aversive stimulus might be a loud noise continuously inside
the box; negative reinforcement would happen when the rat presses a lever to turn off the
noise.
3. Positive punishment (also referred to as "punishment by contingent stimulation") occurs
when a behavior (response) is followed by an aversive stimulus. Example: pain from
a spanking, which would often result in a decrease in that behavior. Positive punishment is a
confusing term, so the procedure is usually referred to as "punishment".
4. Negative punishment (penalty) (also called "punishment by contingent withdrawal") occurs
when a behavior (response) is followed by the removal of a stimulus. Example: taking away
a child's toy following an undesired behavior by him/her, which would result in a decrease in
the undesirable behavior.
5. Extinction occurs when a behavior (response) that had previously been reinforced is no
longer effective. Example: a rat is first given food many times for pressing a lever, until the
experimenter no longer gives out food as a reward. The rat would typically press the lever
less often and then stop. The lever pressing would then be said to be "extinguished."
 6.Operant conditioning
7. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
8. Jump to navigationJump to search
Operant conditioning Extinction

Punishment
Reinforcement
Decrease
Increase behavior
behavior

Negative
Positive Reinforcement Positive Punishment Punishment
Add appetitive stimulus Negative Reinforcement Add noxious stimulus Remove appetitive
following correct behavior following behavior stimulus
following behavior

Escape
Active Avoidance
Remove noxious stimulus
Behavior avoids noxious stimulus
following correct behavior

9. Operant conditioning (also called instrumental conditioning) is a type of

associative learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified
by reinforcement or punishment. It is also a procedure that is used to bring about
such learning.
10. Although operant and classical conditioning both do not involve behaviors
controlled by environmental stimuli, they differ in nature. In operant conditioning,
stimuli present when a behavior that is rewarded or punished controls that
behavior. For example, a child may learn to open a box to get the sweets inside,
or learn to avoid touching a hot stove; in operant terms, the box and the stove
are "discriminative stimuli". Operant behavior is said to be "voluntary". The
responses are under the control of the organism and are operants. For example,
the child may face a choice between opening the box and petting a puppy.
11. In contrast, classical conditioning involves involuntary behavior based on the
pairing of stimuli with biologically significant events. The responses are under the
control of some stimulus because they are reflexes, automatically elicited by the
appropriate stimuli. For example, sight of sweets may cause a child to salivate, or
the sound of a door slam may signal an angry parent, causing a child to tremble.
Salivation and trembling are not operants; they are not reinforced by their
consequences, and they are not voluntarily "chosen".
12. However, both kinds of learning can affect behavior. Classically conditioned
stimuli—for example, a picture of sweets on a box—might enhance operant
conditioning by encouraging a child to approach and open the box. Research has
shown this to be a beneficial phenomenon in cases where operant behavior is
error-prone.[1]
13. The study of human learning in the 20th century was dominated by the analysis
of these two sorts of learning,[2] and they are still at the core of behavior analysis.
 They have also been applied to the study of social psychology, helping to clarify
certain phenomena such as the false consensus effect.[1]

How does learning occur according to the classical conditioning

theory?
Classical conditioning refers to learning that occurs when a neutral stimulus (e.g., a
tone) becomes associated with a stimulus (e.g., food) that naturally produces a
behaviour. After the association is learned, the previously neutral stimulus is sufficient
to produce the behaviour.

8.1 Learning by Association: Classical Conditioning ...

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What is the main idea of classical conditioning theory?
Classical conditioning (also known as Pavlovian or respondent conditioning) is learning
through association and was discovered by Pavlov, a Russian physiologist. In simple
terms, two stimuli are linked together to produce a new learned response in a person or
animal.

Classical Conditioning | Simply Psychology

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What is the classical conditioning theory?
Classical conditioning definition

Classical conditioning is a type of learning that happens unconsciously. When you
learn through classical conditioning, an automatic conditioned response is paired with a
specific stimulus. This creates a behavior.Jan 8, 2020

Classical Conditioning: How It Works and How It Can Be Applied

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1.
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How classical conditioning can be applied in learning?

1.
What is conditioning theory of learning?

What are examples of classical conditioning in everyday life?

What are the basic components of classical conditioning and what was behaviorism's
view of learning?
7-2: What are the basic components of classical conditioning, and what was
behaviorism's view of learning? Classical conditioning is a type of learning in
which an organism comes to associate stimuli. In classical conditioning, an NS is a
stimulus that elicits no response before conditioning.

3// How do classical and operant conditioning differ?

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,5
while classical conditioning involves no such enticements.

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 Differences

The 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.

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Quick Reference Guide to Differences Between Classical and

Operant Conditioning
The following table shows some additional differences between the two types of conditioning:
Classical Conditioning Operant Conditioning
Discovered by Pavlov Discovered by Skinner
Connects an involuntary response to a Encourages or discourages a behavior by pairing it
neutral stimulus with a consequence
Stimulus comes first Behavior comes first
Behavior is involuntary Behavior is voluntary

Both Are Part of Behaviorism

Both 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.

Difference Between Classical and

Operant Conditioning
August 3, 2016
by Embogama
5 min read
31

Main Difference – Classical vs Operant

Conditioning
Classical and Operant conditioning are two theories in psychology which describe
acquired behavioral patterns of an organism. These two studies share numerous
similar principals and procedures along with few differences including the different
processes which they have been initially gained by. However, it is important to
identify the line of demarcation between these two terms. The main
difference between classical and operant conditioning is that classical
conditioning is a process of learning which alters an individual’s behavior in
relation to various internal or external stimuli whereas operant conditioning
is a type of learning which is based on the behavioral patterns that take place
in response to numerous rewards and outcomes.
This article will explain in detail,

1. What is Operant Conditioning – BF Skinner Theory, Basic Principle, Key Concepts

and Outcome
2. What is Classical Conditioning – Ivan Pavlov Theory, Basic Principle, and Outcome

3. Difference Between Classical and Operant Conditioning

What is Operant Conditioning

Introduced by the behaviorist B.F. Skinner, Operant conditioning is defined as a way
of learning which takes place through awarding rewards and punishments for
different behavioral patterns. The main basic principle here is the association
between an individual’s behavior and the response or consequence to that
particular behavior.

For example, imagine a rat placed in a cage with contains two buttons. If the rat
presses the blue button, it will receive a food pellet as a reward, but if it presses the
red button, a mild electric shock will be generated. As a result of this whole
scenario, the rat will always try to avoid the red button and will press the blue
button.

The two key concepts of this theory of operant conditioning include reinforcements
and punishments.

Reinforcement is defined as any action which strengthens or raises the intensity of

the consequent behavior it is followed by. Positive reinforcements are the
favorable events (outcomes) which follow a certain behavior. In cases with regards
to positive reinforcement, the responsive action is definitely strengthened by praise
or a reward. Negative reinforcements take place with the removal of an
unfavorable outcome following a certain behavior. In such scenarios, a response is
strengthened by taking off something which is known to be unpleasant.
In both of these types of reinforcement, the behavior is known to be strengthened.

Punishment is defined as the action which is provided in response to an adverse

event or outcome which results in a decrease or lowering of the behavior it is
followed by. The two main types of punishment include Positive
punishment which involves the presentation of an unfavorable action which
weakens the response to it and Negative punishment or punishment by removal,
which takes place when a favorable outcome is taken off after a certain behavior.
In both positive and negative types of punishment, the behavior is known to be
weakened.
What is Classical Conditioning
Introduced by the Russian psychologist Ivan Pavlov, Classical conditioning is defined
as a category of learning which explains various acquired patterns of behaviorism.
It can also be described as a process of learning which occurs through various
associations between a stimulus from the environment and a stimulus which
develops intrinsically.
As far as the term ‘Behaviorism’ is concerned, it is based on several assumptions.
Some of these assumptions state that every process of learning takes place
through various links with the environment, environment shapes up an individual’s
behavior and internally built up mental states like emotions, thoughts and feelings
are extremely useless in explaining behavior.
Based on the above assumptions, Pavlov has introduced the classical conditioning
theory which involves the initiation of a neutral signal in order to build up a
naturally occurring reflex. In his world famous experiments carried out with dogs,
the neutral signal was supposed to be the tone of a sound and the naturally
occurring reflex was salivation as a response to food. He confirmed that the simple
association between neutral stimuli and stimulus from the environment (food)
enable the tone of the sound to initiate the salivation as a response.

More importantly, various clinical applications of this theory are used in day to day
life. For example, dog trainers use those basic techniques to support people in
training their pets and in medical practice, psychiatrists use these basic principles in
treating various phobias or anxiety conditions.

Difference Between Classical and Operant

Conditioning
Origin
Classical Conditioning: Classical conditioning, defined as a process of learning,
was found by the Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov in early 1900s.
Operant Conditioning: Operant Conditioning was found later on by B.F. Skinner in
1938.
Experiment
Classical Conditioning: Pavlov’s world famous dog experiment is the first scenario
which helped to establish the classical conditioning theory.
Operant Conditioning: Skinner’s rat box experiment became the base for the
introduction of operant conditioning theory with its concepts.

Basic Principle
Classical Conditioning: This theory correlates with the process of learning which
alters an individual’s behavior in relation to various internal or external stimuli.
Operant Conditioning: Operant conditioning is described as a type of learning
which is based on the behavioral patterns, taken place in response to numerous
rewards and outcomes.

Behavior
Classical Conditioning: Classical conditioning is mainly based on involuntary
reflexive behavior.
Operant Conditioning: Operant conditioning theory involves voluntary behavioral
outcomes.

Outcome
Classical Conditioning: Classical Conditioning results in behaviors which pair with
involuntary stimuli where the unconditioned response, later on, become a
conditioned response with time.
Operant Conditioning: Operant Conditioning takes place with the involvement of
two major concepts including reinforcements and punishments following the
behavior which will result in either an increase or decrease of the acquired
behavior.
Image Courtesy:
“Classical vs operant conditioning” by  By Perey – Own work  (CC BY-SA 4.0)  via  Commons
Wikimedia
“Operant conditioning diagram” by   Curtis Neveu – using Adobe illustrator  (CC BY-SA
3.0)  via  Commons Wikimedia