Overview
This lecture explains the concepts of classical and operant conditioning, outlining their key differences, mechanisms, and main terms used in behavioral psychology.
Classical Conditioning
- Discovered by Ivan Pavlov and involves learning through association between stimuli.
- A neutral stimulus is paired before an unconditioned stimulus until it elicits an automatic response.
- Focuses on involuntary, automatic responses.
- Key example: Pavlov’s dogs salivating to a bell after pairing with food.
Key Concepts in Classical Conditioning
- Acquisition is the initial phase where a response is learned and strengthened.
- Extinction occurs when the conditioned response fades after the stimulus is no longer paired.
- Spontaneous recovery is the return of a conditioned response after a pause.
- Stimulus generalization is when responses spread to similar stimuli.
- Discrimination is the ability to distinguish between different stimuli.
Operant Conditioning
- Introduced by B.F. Skinner, focusing on consequences influencing behavior.
- Uses reinforcement or punishment after behavior to strengthen or weaken voluntary actions.
- The learner must actively perform actions to be rewarded or punished.
Key Concepts in Operant Conditioning
- Reinforcement increases behavior and can be positive (adding something pleasant) or negative (removing something unpleasant).
- Punishment decreases behavior and can be positive (adding something unpleasant) or negative (removing something pleasant).
Differences Between Classical and Operant Conditioning
- Classical conditioning is passive and targets involuntary responses.
- Operant conditioning is active, requiring voluntary actions and responding to consequences.
- Only operant conditioning uses rewards or punishments as motivators.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Classical Conditioning — Learning by associating a neutral stimulus with an involuntary response.
- Operant Conditioning — Learning where behavior is shaped by consequences (reinforcement or punishment).
- Acquisition — The process of learning a conditioned response.
- Extinction — The fading of a learned response when the stimulus is no longer presented.
- Spontaneous Recovery — The reappearance of a conditioned response after a break.
- Stimulus Generalization — The tendency to respond to similar stimuli.
- Discrimination — The ability to distinguish between similar stimuli.
- Reinforcement — Process that increases the likelihood of a behavior.
- Punishment — Process that decreases the likelihood of a behavior.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of classical and operant conditioning in real life.
- Learn to identify key terms in scenarios and differentiate between conditioning types.