How are operant conditioning and classical conditioning really different?
Both types of conditioning demonstrate how we acquire new behavior but they emphasize different phases of learning. In operant conditioning, we acquire behaviors based on the consequences that follow them. We get praised or punished or ignored and this will make a difference in whether we repeat the behavior in the future. In operant conditioning the emphasis is on consequences. In classical conditioning, we acquire new behaviors when stimuli in our environment take on new meaning. When you are just learning to drive, you learn that flashing red lights signal, Uh oh. Pull over. You learn to associate a particular song with the warm feelings you have about a special person. In classical conditioning the emphasis is on association. Some learning specialists say you can see both types of learning in complex behavior. Think about your cat responding to the noise of the lid being snapped off a can of food. The cat runs up to you (approach behavior) and it gets food (positive consequence) so
