Operant vs Classical Conditioning
A cross-over behavioral simulation mapping the Rescorla-Wagner model. Execute reinforcement reward trials to plot the asymptotic acquisition curve, and trigger extinction trials to map the exponential decay in a virtual Skinner box.
THE MECHANISMS OF LEARNING
Learning is a change in behavior resulting from experience. In the study of animal behavior (ethology), two primary forms of associative learning are **classical conditioning** and **operant conditioning**. Classical conditioning involves associating an involuntary response and a stimulus (Pavlovian), while operant conditioning involves associating a voluntary behavior and a consequence (Skinnerian).
THE RESCORLA-WAGNER MODEL
The **Rescorla-Wagner model** describes the change in associative strength between a conditioned stimulus (CS) and an unconditioned stimulus (US) on any given trial. It predicts that the amount of learning is greatest when the occurrence of the US is most surprising. As the animal learns, the surprise decreases, and the learning curve levels off toward an asymptote. If the reinforcement is removed, **extinction** occurs, typically following an exponential decay pattern.
HOW TO USE THIS VISUALIZATION
1. **Select Conditioning Type**: Choose between Classical (tone + food) or Operant (lever press + food) modes. 2. **Run Reinforcement Trials**: Click to execute trials and watch the acquisition curve rise toward the maximum associative strength (). 3. **Trigger Extinction**: Stop providing the reward and observe how quickly the behavioral response declines. **Try This**: Run 10 reinforcement trials, then start extinction. How many trials does it take for the associative strength to drop below 10% of its peak?
CORE FORMULAS
AP EXAM CONNECTION
Unit: Unit 8: Ecology (Topic 8.1)
Learning Objective: ENE-3.D
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
- Confusing negative reinforcement (removing a bad thing) with punishment (adding a bad thing).
- Thinking that extinction means the memory is completely erased (it is often just suppressed).
- Believing all behaviors are learned (many are innate/instinctive).
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Classical: Involuntary association.
- Operant: Behavior + consequence.
- Acquisition: Curve approaches asymptote.
- Extinction: Decline when reward stops.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Q1 (QUANTITATIVE): In the Rescorla-Wagner formula, what happens to the change in associative strength () as the total associative strength () approaches the maximum possible value ()?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: decreases toward zero.
Explanation: As the animal learns to predict the reward, the difference between the actual reward () and the expectation () shrinks, reducing the rate of new learning.
Q2 (CONCEPTUAL): An animal is trained to associate a light with a shock. If the light is then repeatedly presented without the shock, what behavioral process is being simulated?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: Extinction.
Explanation: Extinction is the weakening of a conditioned response when the unconditioned stimulus is no longer paired with the conditioned stimulus.
