Comparison of Learning Theories

[she_doc]

Hey! Just wondering what similarities and differences there are between all the learning theories.
I can only think of classical conditioning being a passive process whereas operant conditioning and observational learning are active.

Hope you can help! Thanks 

[Glasses]

Comparison of Operant Conditioning and Classical Conditioning

Similarities:


- In both classical and operant conditioning, there is an acquisition process, whereby a response is conditioned or learned.
- In both types of conditioning, the extinction of the learned response can occur.
- In both classical and operant conditioning, extinction can also be interrupted by spontaneous recovery, and stimulus generalisation and stimulus discrimination can also occur.
- Both types of conditioning are achieved as a result of the repeated association of two events that follow each other closely in time.

Differences:

Role of the learner:
- In classical conditioning, the learner is a passive participant in the conditioning process. The learner does not have to do anything for the CS or UCS to be presented and the response made by the learner occurs automatically.
- In operant conditioning, the learner is an active participant in the learning process. The learner must operate on the environment before reinforcement or punishment is received.

Timing of the stimulus and response:
- In classical conditioning, the response depends on the presentation of the UCS occurring first.
- In operant conditioning, the presentation of the reinforcer or punisher depends on the response occurring first. – Which will in turn impact the consequence.
- In classical conditioning, the timing of the two stimuli (CS, then UCS) produces an association between them that conditions the learner to anticipate the UCS and respond to it even if it is not presented.
- In operant conditioning, the association that is conditioned is between the stimulus and the response.
- In classical conditioning, the timing of the two stimuli (CS, then UCS) needs to be very close and the sequencing is vital – the CS must come before the UCS.
- In operant conditioning, while learning generally occurs faster when the reinforcement or punishment occurs soon after the response, there can be a considerable time difference between them.

Nature of the response:
- In classical conditioning, the response by the learner is usually a reflexive and involuntary one.
- In operant conditioning, the response by the learner is usually a voluntary one, however the response can also be involuntary.
- In classical conditioning, the response is often one involving the action of the autonomic nervous system, and the association of the two stimuli is often not conscious or deliberate.
- In operant conditioning, the response may involve the autonomic nervous system, but usually involves the central nervous system and is conscious, intentional and often goal-directed.
- In classical conditioning, the learner’s response does not have any environmental consequences.
- In operant conditioning, the learner’s response is vital and dictates whether a behaviour becomes more or less likely to occur, more or less frequent, or strengthened – depending on the consequence delivered.

[she_doc]

Thanks so much!