Classical vs Operant Conditioning: The Ultimate Comparison Guide

Both Classical and Operant Conditioning are theories of learning but they work very differently.

• Learning happens by *association*
• A neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus
• Example: School bell → excitement for lunch (the bell has become a conditioned stimulus)

• Learning happens through *consequences*
• Behaviour is strengthened by reinforcement or weakened by punishment
• Example: Student gets praised for answering correctly → answers more often

Board exam tip: Always draw the stimulus-response diagram for Classical Conditioning — it gets you extra marks.