Classical and Operant Conditioning

Classical and Operant Conditioning

Introduction

It is very common for us to act without thinking to any particular thing. This is because we have been conditioned to respond in a similar way. Classical conditioning, habituation, operant conditioning and sensitization are different processes of learning that link a particular behavior with a certain stimulus that results in us acting before contemplating anything about it. These responses are a result of our behavior. Behaviors are usually learned very fast and most of the times we are not even aware of it. We can change these behaviors only by systematically and carefully extinguishing them.

Discussion

Operant conditioning

Operant conditioning is also often referred to as instrumental conditioning. It is a way of learning that takes place through different punishments and awards for particular behaviors. A behavior and the consequences of that behavior can be linked with each other through operant conditioning. (Mazur)

The concept of operant conditioning was introduced by B. F. Skinner and this is the reason that we sometimes get to hear it referred to as Skinnerian conditioning. The behaviorist, Skinner had this belief that we can not use internal thoughts and motivation to explain and understand behavior. Instead we should look at the external causes of behavior.

The behaviorist, Skinner, used the word 'operant', to refer to any active behavior that operates in the environment and produces results or consequences. Basically, this theory by skinner makes it clear for us how we get the number of learned behaviors that we exhibit in our daily life.

To understand operant conditioning, we can say that there are four possible consequences to any behavior that we show. Therefore we always behave accordingly. The four possible consequences to any behavior are, something good will be given to us or initiate, something good can be taken away from us or simply end, something bad can be given to us or can be initiated, something bad can be taken away from us or can simply end.

Obviously, whenever we act or behave in a certain manner, we always want our outcomes to be good and favorable. So we most often try to behave accordingly. We witness a number of examples of operant conditioning all around us in our daily lives. Take for example the case of children, who would willingly complete their home works on time so that they could get rewards from their teachers or their parents or employees, who meet their deadlines to receive, praise, recognition and promotions from their authorities and colleagues.

In these examples, we see that the promise and the expectation of rewards have contributed in increasing the behaviors. Similarly, operant conditioning can also be used to decrease behaviors. Removing of any unfavorable outcomes or using punishments can help in decreasing or ending any unfavorable behavior. For example, children in a class room can be told that they will not get any recess privileges if they continue to make noise. This potential for punishment or an unfavorable consequence can result in their behaving nicely and as ...