Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning

Introduction

The theories of classical and operant conditioning are used for shaping the behavior of animals. These theories also shape the behavior of human beings subconsciously. For this purpose, I will also use these theories to train my one year old puppy to perform tasks. In order to understand the training module, we will first explore the concepts of classical and operant conditioning.

Classical Conditioning

The theory of classical conditioning can be defined as an associative learning, which was first demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov. The theory is also known as Pavlov classical conditioning. The theory explains the fact of pairing an unknown image, word, thing, or a brand repeatedly together with any other stimulus, which a person knows already that automatically elicits feelings or emotions (Miltenberger 2001: 238).

Operant Conditioning

The theory explains the situation of ensuring a certain behavior and then rewarding that behavior. When this behavior has been rewarded enough times, the association will be established. It explains how we learn from the consequences of our behavior, and social learning explains how we learn by watching other people (Heyes et al. 2006: 24). For instance, the animal will tend to implement this behavior in order to obtain a reward. We have seen that, in classical conditioning, there is no reward after the behavior emitted by the animal but a conditioned stimulus (Watson 2001: 159).

In operant conditioning, the behavior is contingent to its punishing and/or rewarding consequences, in contrast to the natural reflexes associated with classical conditioning. In other words, the behavior is not part of the natural repertoire of the individual but is acquired (learned) through reward and punishment.

Discussion

In order to train the puppy with the help of classical and operant conditioning, we need to understand that what factors must be in mind while training the dog. Fortunately, we ...