22.3 Contrasting Classical and Operant Conditioning

22-7 How does operant conditioning differ from classical conditioning?

Both classical and operant conditioning are forms of associative learning. Both involve acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, and discrimination. But these two forms of learning also differ. Through classical (Pavlovian) conditioning, we associate different stimuli we do not control, and we respond automatically (respondent behaviors) (TABLE 22.4). Through operant conditioning, we associate our own behaviors—which act on our environment to produce rewarding or punishing stimuli (operant behaviors)—with their consequences.

Table 22.4
Comparison of Classical and Operant Conditioning

“O! This learning, what a thing it is.”

William Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew, 1597

300

RETRIEVAL PRACTICE

  • Salivating in response to a tone paired with food is a(n) __________ behavior; pressing a bar to obtain food is a(n) __________ behavior.

respondent; operant