Classical conditioning (CC) and operant conditioning (OC) both involve learning through associations between stimuli and responses. However, they differ in key ways: 1. In CC, the response is involuntary and precedes the stimulus, while in OC the response is voluntary and occurs after reinforcement. 2. CC involves passive learning as the response is automatic, while OC requires an active learner who operates on the environment to obtain reinforcement. 3. The timing of the stimulus and response differ between the two: in CC the stimulus precedes the response, while in OC the response precedes reinforcement.

1. Classical vs Operant conditioning
Elements that CC & Elements of CC & OC
OC have in common that are clearly
different
Extinction Role of learner
Spontaneous recovery Timing of stimulus
Stimulus discrimination Timing of response
Stimulus generalisation Nature response
Acquisition

2. Classical vs Operant conditioning
Classical Operant
conditioning conditioning
Nature of Involuntary Voluntary (usually) but
response (reflexive) can be both – Vol &
Involuntary
Timing of Precedes the After the desired
Stimulus response response
Timing of After the Before the
Response stimulus stimulus
Role of learner Passive Active

3. Nature of response
• In C.C response is usually reflexive or
involuntary eg. Salivating or blinking
• O.C the response is more active &
voluntary eg. Pressing a leaver or
putting up an umbrella
• In C.C the response often involves the
action of the autonomic nervous system
& the association of 2 stimuli (which is
not conscious)
• In O.C, the response is more likely to
involve the Central nervous system
(brain) and is conscious, intentional &
often goal directed
• i.e. the individual is more likely to
produce the desired response if the
consequence is good and less likely if
the consequence is punishment

4. Timing of Stimulus/ Response
• CC; the response (eg. Salivation) depends
on the presentation of the UCS (meat
powder) occurring first
• OC; the presentation of the reinforcer (eg.
Food) depends on the response (pressing
lever) occurring first. The reinforcement
strengthens (food) strengthens the
stimulus-response association
• CC; the timing of the 2 stimuli (CS then
UCS) needs to very close (ideally 0.5
second), but the CS must come before the
UCS so that the animal/person can learn
to associate the stimuli eg. Ring the bell,
just before presenting the food to build
the association
• OC; the learning occurs faster when
reinforcement or punishment occurs soon
after the behaviour. But there can be a
considerable time difference between
them (for humans in particular)

5. Role of the Learner
• CC, the learner is relatively passive
when the CS or UCS is presented,
i.e. the response elicited by the
learner occurs automatically
without any effort (i.e. a reflex)
• OC, the learner must actively
operate on the environment to
obtain the reinforcement or
punishment. The learner is not
reinforced or punished without
performing the behaviour that
produces that consequence

6. Other differences between Classical & Operant conditioning
Classical conditioning Operant conditioning
1 stimulus substitutes for No substitution
another takes place
1 reinforcer elicits only 1 type 1 reinforcer can be used to
of response – i.e. food leads strengthen a variety of responses eg.
to salivation money for lawnmowing, running
laps
Emotions such as fear are Reponses associated with goal-
associated with the seeking behaviour are primarily
autonomic N.S (for humans) involved