Blog Post #8

Classical conditioning is a type of learning in which one learns to link two or more stimuli and anticipate events. It is a form of associative learning and it was first demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov. An example of classical conditioning was in Pavlov's experiment with the dog and then tone. During the experiment, the dog began to associate the tone with food so he would salivate when he heard it. Another example is riding a roller coaster and getting sick, and after that feeling sick every time you see a roller coaster. Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which one learns to associate a response and its consequence and thus repeat acts followed by good results and avoid acts followed by bad results. It is the increase or decrease in a behavior based off of the consequences. For example, if you study for a test and receive an A, you are more likely to study for the next test. The difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning is operant conditioning deals with behavior modification maintained from consequences and classical conditioning deals with the conditioning of behaviors drawn out from antecedent conditions. The main difference is classical conditioning isn't maintained from consequences. This is interesting and applies to my life because myself along with everyone learns using these two different methods. I study for all my tests because I have learned that I usually will get As if I do, but if I don't I don't do as well. I have gotten sick in an examination room at the doctor, so now every time I go in one, I feel nauseas.

Positive reinforcement is a way to increase behaviors by presenting positive stimuli. A positive reinforcer is any stimulus that, when presented after a response, strenthens the response. For example, when we were training my dog to go to the bathroom and he was good, we gave him treats. We also did that when teaching him to listen to us. I believe positive reinforcement works really well because it came up with good results for my dog and when my parents use it on me. If I get good grades, my parents positively reinforce my actions by giving me something or taking me out to eat. A negative reinforcement is a way to increase behaviors by stopping or reduce negative stimuli. A negative reinforcer is any stimulus that, when removed after a response, strengthens the response. An example in my life is when I take ibuprofen to relieve a headache or icing when I'm sore. Negative reinforcement increases the odds that you will repeat the behaviors. To me, this concept is a little confusing because when you think of negative, you think of bad things, but negative reinforcement is actually good. Punishment is different positive and negative reinforcement because it decreases a behavior. It is imposing something unpleasant in response to disobedience or a wrong action, in order to stop or decrease that action. When I was little, my parents would punish me by putting me on time-outs. Now, when I disobey, they threaten to take away my keys.

The most interesting thing I learned is how much the media and TV influences what people do. From TV, children learn about bullying, sex, and how to act. The violence-viewing effect leads to desensitization and imitation. Studies show that there is increased agression in those heavily exposed to violent television shows, videos, and video games. It is amazing that about 83% of boys and 61% of girls who are exposed to a large amount of violence in the media were involved in fights. I think that parents shouldn't let their children watch violence and that parents should use locks on their TV to keep their young children from viewing violence. I can apply this to my everyday life when I'm older by not allowing my children to watch violent shows or play video games that are full of violence.