Final answer:
Classical conditioning theory involves associating an involuntary response with a new, neutral stimulus to trigger a similar response, while operant conditioning associates voluntary behavior with consequences. Pavlov's dog experiments illustrate classical conditioning, and studying for a test represents operant conditioning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Classical conditioning theory accounts for behavioral responses that are triggered by associating an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) with a neutral stimulus (NS). Over time, the NS becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS), evoking a conditioned response (CR) similar to the original unconditioned response (UCR). A classic example is Pavlov's dogs, who were conditioned to salivate (CR) upon hearing a bell (CS) because the bell had been consistently paired with the presentation of food (UCS).
Differences between classical and operant conditioning are fundamental. In operant conditioning, an animal learns to associate a voluntary behavior with its consequences, such as a reward or punishment, leading to an increase or decrease in that behavior. In contrast, classical conditioning involves involuntary responses and associations made between a NS and UCS.
Observing classical conditioning in everyday life could be as simple as feeling hungry at the sound of a lunch bell due to previous associations. Cognitive aspects of classical conditioning involve the mental processes that influence the strength and duration of the conditioned response, such as expectation and awareness of the stimulus pairings.
When you study for your AP test and see grade improvements, this learning process reflects operant conditioning because you've associated the voluntary behavior of studying with the positive consequence of better grades.