Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Classical conditioning is based on repeated pairings of two events while operant conditioning is based on the consequences of an event.
Exam Relevance: Psychology exams, Cognitive Science exams, Behavioral Science exams
Difficulty: Moderate
Concept notes: Classical conditioning involves learning through association, where two stimuli are paired together to produce a new learned response. Operant conditioning involves learning through the consequences of behavior, where behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment.
Common Mistakes: Students often confuse the two types of conditioning, mistaking the role of consequences in operant conditioning with the pairing of stimuli in classical conditioning.
Explanations: Classical conditioning involves repeatedly pairing two stimuli, such as a bell and food, to elicit a conditioned response. Operant conditioning, on the other hand, involves modifying behavior based on the consequences of that behavior, such as rewards or punishments. The correct answer highlights this fundamental difference.
Option Analysis: - Option A: This option is incorrect because the infant's preference for the reward is not the defining feature of either type of conditioning.
- Option B: This option reverses the roles of classical and operant conditioning, making it incorrect.
- Option C: This option is incorrect because classical conditioning does not specifically use motor behavior, and operant conditioning can involve any behavior, not just motor behavior.
- Option D: This option correctly identifies the key difference between classical and operant conditioning.
Mnemonic: CC-Pair, OC-Consequence