Classical and Operant Conditioning in Learning Psychology

University:
California State University, Northridge
Course:
PSY 150 | Introduction to Psychology
Academic year:

2023
Views:

12

Pages:

2
Author:

Jithin J. I.

Classical and Operant Conditioning in Learning Psychology  Classical Conditioning: Learning by Association  Instrumental Learning (Operant Conditioning)  Based on associative approach.  "Law of Effect" states that S-R connections are strengthened when accompanied by positive consequences.  Cats learned to free themselves from cages through trial and error, rewarded with food.  Behavior weakened when no more food was provided, leading to S-R connections' extinction. Ivan Pavlov's Observations  Classical conditioning originated from the work of Ivan P. Pavlov (1953) in dog salivation experiments.  Innate reflexes lead consistent reactions specific stimuli.  Reflexes form unconditioned stimuli (US) and unconditioned responses (UR) in human (and animal) behavior.  Presentation of food (US) consistently leads to salivation (UR). to to  Learning occurs when a neutral stimulus (NS), like a bell, is paired with food.  Over time, the bell (CS) alone triggers salivation (CR), even without food.  Learning is based on contiguity, stimulus generalization, stimulus discrimination, and extinction. Operant Conditioning: through Consequences Learning Thorndike's learning B.F. Skinner's Contributions  B.F. Skinner's Skinner Box  Burrhus F. Skinner (1938) extended the paradigm with rats or pigeons in the "Skinner box."  Animals associated specific behaviors with rewards (positive stimulus) or punishments (negative stimulus).  Positive reinforcement increases the occurrence of rewarded behaviors (e.g., lever presses for food).  Punishment reduces the probability of punished behaviors (e.g., electric current).  Removal of a positive stimulus acts as punishment (e.g., taking away food).  Removal of a negative stimulus reinforces behavior (e.g., switching off electric current).  Learning in instrumental conditioning involves acquiring knowledge about consequences of operant behavior in the environment.