Classical Vs Operant Conditioning Essay

Final Essay #2 From a learning standpoint, in class we discussed learning by associating behavior to a neutral stimulus, which is classical conditioning, as well as shaping behavior by utilizing reinforcement and punishment schedules, which would be operant conditioning. Both classical conditioning and operant conditioning are different in many ways. Classical conditioning is the theory which involves learning a new behavior through the process of association. This would mean that two stimuli are linked together to produce a new learned response in a person or animal.(McLeod, "Classical Conditioning", 1970) For example, when training a dog you may use a clicker to associate the clicking sound with good behavior then reward the dog with a treat. The two stimuli that would be linked together in this case would be the clicker and good behavior. Operant conditioning on the other hand, was based on Thorndike’s (1905) law of effect. Skinner introduced a new term into the Law of Effect, reinforcement. Behavior …show more content…
Sometimes operant conditioning can be used with addicts to help them get control over their addiction whether it be a alcohol addiction or a drug addiction. For example, when an addict goes to a meeting, they receive chips that represent how long they've been sober for. These chips are something that these people with this disease can work for and look forward to being rewarded with. The schedule that will be utilized would be that every month that the patient is sober they will receive this chip. The chip will represent their hard work and dedication to help better themself. In conclusion, both classical conditioning and operant conditioning are used often in our everyday lives and most of the time, we don't even realize it. Operant conditioning is used more often and benefits people of all ages. Ranging from toddlers to late adolescents, operant conditioning is utilized in schools and in the