Classical Conditioning Versus Operant Conditioning

[Lablover]

Do you agree with the studies:

In almost every situation, classical conditioning will override operant conditioning, during times of stress or excitement?

And if you agree, how does this affect your training?

[Erny]

Because classical conditioning is a mode of learning whereby feelings and involuntary reactions are learnt, I can see why this mode of learning would over-ride that of operant conditioning in times of stress or excitement, which is often where conscious thoughts are driven to the background.

We commonly use classical conditioning even when we don't realise it. Eg. Otherwise meaningless words such as "good dog" become meaningful over time because they are commonly paired with something good (like a pat or a treat). Later, when we say "good dog" it can arouse the feelings a dog has when it is receiving something good, even if in the absence of the pat or treat.

However, classical conditioning is prone to extinction if the two things (ie conditioned stimulus such as "good dog") is no longer paired with the treat or pat (ie unconditioned stimulus), over a period of time.

Operant conditioning, on the otherhand, is not quite as prone to extinction given that it is about reinforcement for a behaviour on an intermittent schedule. The downside is that learning is slower. Hence why many trainers begin training with Instrumental conditioning, which is where every wanted behaviour is reinforced everytime (ie continuous schedule) thereby producing a faster learning curve, then weaned to operant conditioning (ie intermittant schedule of reinforcement).

[haven]

Can you quote said studies LL? I'd like to see exactly what we are contending first ;)

[Lablover]

Thanks Erny.

How did this theory help with your past dogs?

[Lablover]

Can you quote said studies LL? I'd like to see exactly what we are contending first ;)

Quote? Gee Haven, your tough. I will be typing all night.

[Lablover]

I did find a relatively recent study, the only one I know, of its kind.

Not relevant, to the topic, but thought provoking all the same.

Probably should have been attached to another thread?

http://www.ust.is/media/ljosmyndir/dyralif...shockcollar.pdf

[NaturallyWild]

This is still something that is not fully confirmed through studies, but i believe there are at least 2 out there that i will try and track down.

Like Erny mentioned, operant conditioning will involve classical conditioning in some way but is much more complex and it involves (if correctly trained) a "choice point", where there is a dopamine release when there is a free choice that results in something reinforcing and makes the result even more rewarding. Need to check on the biochemical responses for purely classical conditioning.

I would potentially contest (but not confirm which is better) what was said in regards to classical not having as long a retention compared to operant. Variable reinforcement (or whatever schedule) is the extended part of the training/learning and can apply to both classical and operant after the initial association or learning has occured. Operant conditioning is the action or behaviour that needs to occur to result in the reinforcer occuring (is the same thing as instrumental learning). Extinction will occur with both if you stop the reinforcement - the question is which will stop quicker, and does this change if there has been a smaller or larger amount of reinforcement prior to stopping the reinforcement.