Learning Theories – Classical & Operant Conditioning
1. Introduction to Learning
“Learning is a process by which behavior is modified or changed through
experience or practice.”
Learning is the foundation of Behavioral Psychology, which studies observable behavior.
The two most well-known theories in this area are:
● Classical Conditioning (Ivan Pavlov)
● Operant Conditioning (B.F. Skinner)
Both explain how behavior is acquired and maintained — used in education, training,
marketing, and therapy.
📘 2. Classical Conditioning
📌 Definition:
A type of learning in which a neutral stimulus is repeatedly paired with an unconditioned
stimulus, so it begins to elicit the same response.
🔬 Pavlov’s Experiment Recap:
● UCS = Food
● UCR = Salivation
● NS = Bell
● After repetition: Bell → Salivation
→ NS becomes CS, UCR becomes CR
🧠 Key Terms:
● Acquisition: NS becomes CS
● Extinction: Response disappears
● Spontaneous Recovery: Sudden return of CR
, Learning Theories – Classical & Operant Conditioning
● Generalization: CR to similar stimuli
● Discrimination: Only specific CS causes CR
🧪 Real-World Case:
A child was bitten by a dog at age 4. Now, even hearing a dog bark triggers fear. This is
classical conditioning – fear linked with sound.
📗 3. Operant Conditioning
📌 Definition:
“Operant Conditioning involves learning through consequences (rewards and
punishments).”
Skinner proved behavior is influenced by what follows it, not just what happens before.
🧪 Skinner Box Experiment:
Rat → Presses lever → Gets food
Reinforcement increases behavior
📊 Types of Outcomes:
Type Meaning Example
Positive Reinforcement Add good stimulus Praise for homework
Negative Reinforcement Remove bad stimulus Stop alarm when task done
Positive Punishment Add bad stimulus Scolding after breaking rule
Negative Punishment Remove good Take away mobile for being late
stimulus
📊 4. Classical vs Operant Conditioning – Side-by-Side
Feature Classical Operant Conditioning
Conditioning
Founder Ivan Pavlov B.F. Skinner
1. Introduction to Learning
“Learning is a process by which behavior is modified or changed through
experience or practice.”
Learning is the foundation of Behavioral Psychology, which studies observable behavior.
The two most well-known theories in this area are:
● Classical Conditioning (Ivan Pavlov)
● Operant Conditioning (B.F. Skinner)
Both explain how behavior is acquired and maintained — used in education, training,
marketing, and therapy.
📘 2. Classical Conditioning
📌 Definition:
A type of learning in which a neutral stimulus is repeatedly paired with an unconditioned
stimulus, so it begins to elicit the same response.
🔬 Pavlov’s Experiment Recap:
● UCS = Food
● UCR = Salivation
● NS = Bell
● After repetition: Bell → Salivation
→ NS becomes CS, UCR becomes CR
🧠 Key Terms:
● Acquisition: NS becomes CS
● Extinction: Response disappears
● Spontaneous Recovery: Sudden return of CR
, Learning Theories – Classical & Operant Conditioning
● Generalization: CR to similar stimuli
● Discrimination: Only specific CS causes CR
🧪 Real-World Case:
A child was bitten by a dog at age 4. Now, even hearing a dog bark triggers fear. This is
classical conditioning – fear linked with sound.
📗 3. Operant Conditioning
📌 Definition:
“Operant Conditioning involves learning through consequences (rewards and
punishments).”
Skinner proved behavior is influenced by what follows it, not just what happens before.
🧪 Skinner Box Experiment:
Rat → Presses lever → Gets food
Reinforcement increases behavior
📊 Types of Outcomes:
Type Meaning Example
Positive Reinforcement Add good stimulus Praise for homework
Negative Reinforcement Remove bad stimulus Stop alarm when task done
Positive Punishment Add bad stimulus Scolding after breaking rule
Negative Punishment Remove good Take away mobile for being late
stimulus
📊 4. Classical vs Operant Conditioning – Side-by-Side
Feature Classical Operant Conditioning
Conditioning
Founder Ivan Pavlov B.F. Skinner
