A generic term for a set of empirical concepts,
particularly those that specify the conditions under which associative learning
takes place. Often divided into two separate types: classical conditioning (or
Pavlovian) and operant (or Skinnerian). The basic difference between the two is
that in classical conditioning the outcome of a trial always occurs regardless
of how the organism responds -- Pavlov's dogs received food whether or not they
salivated. In operant conditioning the outcome of a trial is contingent upon the
organism making a specified response -- Skinner's pigeons were not given food
unless they pecked the key the requisite number of times under the proper
stimulus conditions. In classical conditioning, the conditioned response (e.g.,
eye blink, salivation, knee jerk) is generally reflexive, primitive, autonomic,
and lacking in volition, and it is elicited by the conditioned stimulus. In
operant conditioning, the response (e.g., bar pressing, maze running) is more
voluntary, nonreflexive, and emitted by the organism in the presence of the
appropriate stimulus.
