Describe the major principles in classical and operant conditioning
What are the similarities and difrences between the two
Classical conditioning, also known as Pavlovian conditioning, is a type of learning in which a neutral stimulus produces a response after being paired with a stimulus that naturally produces that response. The major principles of classical conditioning include:
1. Acquisition: the initial stage in classical conditioning where the neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus to create a conditioned response.
2. Extinction: the decrease in the conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus.
3. Spontaneous recovery: the reappearance of the conditioned response after a rest period following extinction.
4. Generalization: the tendency for stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus to elicit the conditioned response.
5. Discrimination: the ability to differentiate between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli.
Operant conditioning, also known as instrumental conditioning, is a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened or weakened based on the consequences of that behavior. The major principles of operant conditioning include:
1. Reinforcement: the process of increasing the likelihood of a behavior by providing a reward (positive reinforcement) or removing an aversive stimulus (negative reinforcement).
2. Punishment: the process of decreasing the likelihood of a behavior by providing an aversive stimulus (positive punishment) or removing a rewarding stimulus (negative punishment).
3. Extinction: the decrease in the frequency of a behavior when it is no longer reinforced.
4. Generalization: the tendency for behaviors similar to the reinforced behavior to also be reinforced.
5. Discrimination: the ability to differentiate between behaviors that will or will not be reinforced.
Similarities between classical conditioning and operant conditioning include the focus on learning through associations between stimuli and responses, the idea of reinforcement and punishment influencing behavior, and the concepts of extinction, generalization, and discrimination.
Differences between the two include the type of learning involved (respondent behavior in classical conditioning vs. voluntary behavior in operant conditioning), the way in which associations are formed (pairing of stimuli in classical conditioning vs. consequences of behavior in operant conditioning), and the types of stimuli and responses involved (external stimuli in classical conditioning vs. internal behaviors in operant conditioning).