In class we were asked to provide an one example of classical and operant conditioning. We have to identify the stimulus, response and reinforcers in each example.

Question

here are my examples:

Clasical Conditioning- My cat comes running everytime she hears the can opener.

Operant Conditoning-My daughter is given chores to do during the week. If she completes them then she receives a reward.

Will you please check my work now to see if I am right?

In example 1:
Stimulus-Food
Response-Approach
Reinforcer-Sound of the can opener

In example 2:
Stimulus-Money
Response-completes her chores
Reinforcer-chores

On example #2... wouldn't the list, be the reinforcer?

Clasical Conditioning- My cat comes running everytime she hears the can opener.

Operant Conditoning-My daughter is given chores to do during the week. If she completes them then she receives a reward.

Will you please check my work now to see if I am right?

In example 1:
Stimulus-Food
Response-Approach
Reinforcer-Sound of the can opener

In example 2:
Stimulus-Money
Response-completes her chores
Reinforcer-chores

Classical conditioning involves a reflexive response, like salivating or an eye blink. The approach is not reflexive. Getting the food is a reinforcer rather than the can opener.

The reward for doing the chores is the money, a secondary reinforcer. The stimulus might be some reminder to do the chores.

Perhaps a summary of the differences between classical and operant conditioning would be helpful.

Classical conditioning is characterized by several factors.

I. The key relationship is associating antecedent events.

II. It originates with reflexive behavior. The behavior is "built in."

III. Classical conditioning is essentially a process of stimulus substitution. The response essentially remains the same. The cat may originally salivate to the presence of the food. However, if the sound of the can opener consistently precedes the presentation of the food, the cat might salivate to the sound of the can opener.

IV. The response is elicited, since the behavior is reflexive.

Operant (Instrumental) Conditioning was started by Skinner and his box. In contrast to classical conditioning, operant conditioning has some specific qualities.

I. Consequences to responses are the key relationship.

II. Emitted responses are voluntary rather than reflexive.

III. Response substitution occurs -- unreinforced responses go to extinction, while reinforced responses become stronger. Essentially operant conditioning is response contingent reinforcement.

I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.