Create a 5 pages page paper that discusses the character and prerequisites of conditioning. The American psychologist, Edward L. Thorndike, coined the theory of Law of Effect that postulated that behavioral responses(R) that gave pleasing results could form precedents and under the same stimulus(S), reoccur (Davey & Cullen, 1988).

Classical conditioning and operant conditioning are key concepts in behavioral psychology. These are different in their processes but end up with similar same results, learning. The Russian physiologist. Ivan Pavlov coined the classical conditioning, while, an American psychologist. B. F. Skinner postulated the operant conditioning (Davey & Cullen, 1988). Classical conditioning will consist of placing a neutral stimulus ahead of a reflex and centers on spontaneous, automatic behaviors (Lavond & Steinmetz, 2003). On the other hand, in operant conditioning reinforcement or retribution is applied after a behavior aimed at firming up or abating voluntary behaviors.

Operational differences occur too. In operant conditioning, a consequence is as a result of voluntary behavior, while, in classical conditioning, a stimulus yields a spontaneous response. Operant conditioning is an active process requiring the learner to participate and respond to earn a reward or punishment. On the contrary, classical conditioning is a passive activity hence the involuntary responses. A learner in operant conditioning will usually earn rewards with a counterpart in classical conditioning getting no rewards (Darity, 2008).

Though different in operation, both can be successfully be used for numerous purposes in the daily activities that require learning (Baechle & Earle, 2008). Regardless of the foregoing differences, neither of the two conditionings outshines the other since each utilizes a different form of response. While classical conditioning utilizes the involuntary body responses, the operant conditioning makes use of voluntary responses.&nbsp.