Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

 COMPARING CLASSICAL AND OPERANT CONDITIONING 
We’ve considered classical conditioning and operant conditioning as two completely 
different processes. And, as summarized in Figure 5, there are a number of key dis-
tinctions between the two forms of learning. For example, the key concept in classi-
cal conditioning is the association between stimuli, whereas in operant conditioning 
it is reinforcement. Furthermore, classical conditioning involves an involuntary, nat-
ural, innate behavior, but operant conditioning is based on voluntary responses made 
by an organism. 
 
Some researchers are asking if, in fact, the two types of learning are so different 
after all. Some learning psychologists have suggested that classical and operant con-
ditioning might share some underlying processes. Arguing from an evolutionary 
viewpoint, they contend that it is unlikely that two completely separate basic pro-
cesses would evolve. Instead, one process—albeit with considerable complexity in 
the way it operates—might better explain behavior. Although it’s too early to know 
if this point of view will be supported, it is clear that there are a number of processes 
that operate both in classical and operant conditioning, including extinction, stimulus 
generalization, and stimulus discrimination (Donahoe, 2003; Donahoe & Vergas, 2004; 
Silva, Goncalves, & Garcia-Mijares, 2007).
Biological constraints make it nearly impossible for animals to learn 
certain behaviors. Here, psychologist Marian Breland attempts to 
overcome the natural limitations that inhibit the success of 
conditioning this rooster.
feL82795_ch06_172-205.indd Page 193 7/22/10 4:59 PM user-f465
feL82795_ch06_172-205.indd Page 193 7/22/10 4:59 PM user-f465
/Users/user-f465/Desktop
/Users/user-f465/Desktop

---