How does classical conditioning differ from operant conditioning? Classical conditioning involves an association between
A) two stimuli.
B) two reinforcers.
C) a response and a stimulus.
D) a behavior and a CR.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Classical conditioning involves an association between two stimuli, where one stimulus elicits a response that is usually elicited by the other stimulus. An example of this is when a bell is rung (stimulus) and a dog salivates (response) because they have learned to associate the sound of the bell with the presentation of food.

Answer: C
 Operant conditioning involves an association between a response and a stimulus, typically a reinforcer or punishment. An example of this is when a rat learns to press a lever (response) to receive a food pellet (reinforcer), or when a child learns to not touch a hot stove (response) because they received a painful burn (punishment).

Answer: D
 This answer is incorrect as it conflates classical and operant conditioning. A CR (conditioned response) is the response that is elicited by the conditioned stimulus (CS) in classical conditioning, whereas a behavior is what is shaped or modified through operant conditioning.

How Does Classical Conditioning Differ from Operant Conditioning? Classical Conditioning