Question

So far in this course we have covered a variety of psychological theories, one of which includes an exploration of psychological perspectives on human thought and learning. For this assessment, you will create an essay at least 250 words in length that begins with a summary of operant and classical conditioning, in your own words. After providing a summary of each of these, breakdown where you see the similarities and differences between these two learning theories. Finally, explain how this relates to cognitive factors in learning such as to observational learning.

Answer 1

Classical conditioning, otherwise called Pavlovian or respondent conditioning, is the strategy of figuring out how to associate an unconditioned stimulus that already brings an involuntary response with new stimulus so this new stimulus can likewise bring the same response. The new stimulus at that point turns into a conditioned stimulus and the recently learned behavior is a conditioned response. Operant conditioning, otherwise called instrumental conditioning, is the strategy of figuring out how to increase or decrease a voluntary behavior using reinforcement or punishment. The association procedure can be done using different timings, called schedules of reinforcement.

There are some differences between the two. Classical conditioning associates involuntary behavior with a stimulus while operant conditioning does the same with voluntary action of behavior with a consequence.
Classical conditioning is passive as in the sense that the learner can't decide to draw in or not take part in another behavior on the grounds that the association is made through normally occurring event. Then again, operant conditioning includes the learner effectively deciding to get the reward or punishment by performing or not as per the target behavior expected. While the similariities can be simple that both the methods help in teaching the learner the desired behavior of choice of the researcher or the one who actually makes the learner engage in the desired behavior. Both the methods are effectively used for a purpose and are common in day to day lives.

Learning and cognition are much related as we learn through the cognitive processes which are involved. The social learning theory is quite a great example that uses observational learning or modelling to learn a particular behavior. Whatever we learn we need a stimulus which is important to associate it with. This way any behavior can be learnt and even unlearnt.