Which two types of conditioning are identified in behaviorist theory?

The identification of classical and operant conditioning as the two types of conditioning in behaviorist theory is rooted in the foundational work of key figures in psychology. Classical conditioning, first described by Ivan Pavlov, involves learning through association, where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus to elicit a conditioned response. This process highlights how behaviors can be learned through environmental stimuli.

Operant conditioning, developed by B.F. Skinner, emphasizes learning through consequences. Here, behaviors are shaped and maintained by reinforcements (which increase the likelihood of a behavior) or punishments (which decrease the likelihood of a behavior). This approach focuses on the role of external rewards and consequences in behavior modification.

Together, these two forms of conditioning encompass the core principles of behaviorism, illustrating how individuals learn and adapt through their interactions with their environment. The distinction emphasizes the significance of both environmental stimuli and consequences in shaping behavior, making this understanding fundamental in the study of psychology. Other options, such as cognitive or observational conditioning, do not align with the primary tenets of behaviorist theory, which concentrates on observable behaviors rather than mental processes or learned behaviors through modeling.