Final answer:
Classical conditioning involves associating two stimuli to elicit a reflexive response, like in Pavlov's dog experiments. Operant conditioning is about associating a behavior with its consequences, as seen in Skinner's rat experiments, which can be rewards or punishments. Studying for better grades is an example of operant conditioning, where the behavior (studying) leads to a positive consequence (higher grade).
Step-by-step explanation:
Classical versus Operant Conditioning
In classical conditioning, exemplified by Pavlov's dog experiments, organisms learn to associate two stimuli, such as a bell ringing and the subsequent presentation of food, leading to a reflexive response (salivation). The dogs in Pavlov's experiments learned to salivate not only at the sight of food but also at the sound of a previously neutral stimulus (the bell) that had been paired with the food. This is a fundamental type of associative learning where a neutral stimulus becomes conditioned to elicit a response that was originally produced by a different stimulus.
Operant conditioning, on the other hand, is centered around the association between a behavior and its consequences. B.F. Skinner's work with rats demonstrated that behaviors could be increased or decreased in frequency by following them with reinforcements (rewards) or punishments. For example, a pet doing a trick and receiving a treat as a reward is an instance of operant conditioning; the behavior (trick) becomes more likely to be repeated because of the positive reinforcement (treat).
When it comes to learning behaviors such as studying for better grades on an AP® test, this form of learning is typically considered operant conditioning. The student's behavior (studying) is followed by a consequence (better grades), which increases the likelihood that the student will engage in the behavior (studying) again in the future, especially if the consequence is regarded as positive (a good grade).