Classical & Operant Conditioning

Classical Conditioning

process of learning by associate a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus that naturally triggers a physiological response→neutral stimulus triggers response

Little Albert

• loud noise (unconditioned stimulus) paired with presence of white rat (neutral stimulus)

• caused albert to fear rat (conditioned response) without the noise

• fear was generalized to all white and furry things

Application: Aversion Therapy

• unpleasant stimulus is paired with undesirable behavior to eliminate behavior

Example of Application: Aversion Therapy

• nail-biter wears nail polish which will cause nail to taste bad 

• conditions them to associate nail biting with bad taste

• reduces/eliminates behavior because of associating nail-biting with a bad taste

Operant conditioning

process of learning as a result of the consequence of an action

pioneer of operant conditoning

B.F. SKinner

Fixed schedule

reinforcement after specific number or responses or specific amount of time

variable schedule

knowing that there is a reward but not knowing WHEN the reward will come

Ratio

Interval

factors affecting conditioning: consistency 

used a fixed ratio; knowing exactly when you get the reward 

factors affecting conditioning: schedule 

adding in random bonuses to keep people engaged

factors affecting conditioning: desirability

people have to want the reward

factors affecting conditioning: Motiviation 

• live close to buisness

• time limit on reward

• more points→higher statys

factors affecting conditioning: cognitive factors

• have to understand the program 

• anticipate reward

• feel that the reward is worth the wait