Concepts · Domain B
Respondent vs. operant conditioning
The difference in short
Respondent and operant conditioning differ by what controls the behavior. In respondent conditioning, an antecedent stimulus elicits a reflexive, involuntary response. In operant conditioning, the behavior is emitted and controlled by its consequences.
Quick comparison
| Respondent | Operant | |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | An antecedent elicits the behavior (reflexive, involuntary) | Behavior is emitted and controlled by its consequences |
| Effect | Controlled by the antecedent | Controlled by the consequence |
| Example | Salivating at the smell of food. | Studying because passing reinforces you. |
How to tell them apart
- Is the behavior TRIGGERED by an antecedent (respondent) or CONTROLLED by its consequence (operant)?
Examples
Respondent
Salivating at the smell of food.
Operant
Studying because passing reinforces you.
Frequently asked
Is a reflex operant behavior?
No. A reflex (salivating, blinking) is respondent: it's elicited by an antecedent stimulus and doesn't depend on its consequences.
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