Final answer:
Pavlov's theory of classical conditioning involves associating two stimuli to produce a new learned response, such as salivation in dogs in response to a bell. Skinner's theory of operant conditioning involves learning through the consequences of behavior, such as reinforcement with food in rats for pressing a lever. Studying for an improved AP® test grade is an example of operant conditioning based on reinforcement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences Between Pavlov's and Skinner's Theories of Learning
The key difference between Ivan Pavlov's and B.F. Skinner's theories of learning lies in the types of conditioning they describe. Pavlov's theory, known as classical conditioning, involves learning to associate two stimuli together to produce a new learned response. For example, in Pavlov's dog experiments, the dogs learned to associate the sound of a bell (a neutral stimulus) with food (an unconditioned stimulus), and eventually the sound of the bell alone could evoke salivation (a conditioned response).
In contrast, operant conditioning, proposed by Skinner, involves learning to associate a behavior with its consequences. It is based on the idea that behaviors followed by reinforcements are more likely to recur, while those followed by punishment are less likely. In Skinner's experiments with rats and pigeons, the animals learned to press a lever or peck a disk to receive food, demonstrating that their behaviors could be shaped through rewards or punishments. For example, if you train your pet to do a trick by rewarding it with treats, you are using operant conditioning.
When it comes to learning that studying likely will improve your grade on an AP® test, this is an example of operant conditioning. The reinforcement is the improved grade, which increases the likelihood that you will engage in studying behavior in the future.