Classical conditioning and operant conditioning are two learning paradigms within the behaviorist tradition. A major difference between these two paradigms is that:
A) Classical conditioning deals almost exclusively with stimuli, whereas operant conditioning deals almost exclusively with responses.
B) Classical conditioning deals almost exclusively with responses, whereas operant conditioning deals almost exclusively with stimuli.
C) Classically conditioned responses are voluntary, whereas responses learned through operant conditioning are elicited by specific stimuli.
D) Classically conditioned responses are elicited by specific stimuli, whereas responses learned through operant conditioning are voluntary.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Classical conditioning involves learning to associate an unconditioned stimulus that already triggers a reflexive response with a new, conditioned stimulus, so that the new stimulus comes to trigger the response on its own. Operant conditioning, on the other hand, involves learning to associate a behavior with its consequences (rewards or punishments), which makes the behavior more or less likely to be repeated. Thus, classically conditioned responses are elicited by specific stimuli, and responses learned through operant conditioning are voluntary because they are based on the consequences of the behavior.

Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning Are Two Learning Paradigms Within