Psych. Blog Post #8

Classical conditioning is where the test object can link two or more circumstances together with certain events. An example of this would be that every time you said hello to a person you would hug them. After repeating this every time you see that person they would automatically expect a hug. Then one time say hello but don't give them a hug. They will be ready for a hug but will not receive. I think it would be funny if that person were to have there arms stretched out and you just stare at them like they're crazy and ask what they're doing. Operant conditioning is when reinforcers or rewards are given support good behavior and punishment for bad behavior. An example of this would be doing household chores, the reward maybe allowance and a punishment could be being grounded from the computer or cellphone. I believe that parents and teachers have used both types of conditioning, and until now I didn't know what it's called. In my house if I don't get good grades I can't hang out with my friends on weekends, and if I do get good grades I don't have as many restrictions, such as when to be home on the next day when I spend the night at a friends house. All of what I just stated is operant conditioning so of course it applys to my life. I think it's interesting how the different conditionings are named. What makes it classical conditioning? Who started calling it that?

Positive reinforcement is used to increase behaviors by presenting positive actions or rewards. Negative reinforcement is the is the increasing of behaviors by stopping or reducing negative actions. Punishment is an event that decreases the behavior that follow. A positive reinforcement is that my grandpa gives all his grandchildren a reward (usually money) for getting good grades, so I get good grades I get money. The money reinforces the good behavior for getting my good grades. A negative reinforcement would be my mother telling me what to stay away from, such as people that smoke or do drugs, or other habits that are not healthy. So her preventing me from involving myself with these people doesn't allow me to create a habit that could ruin me future. Punishment would be not being able to go to a friends house if I have assignments missing or if I didn't do my chores. The outcome would be me being bored at home with my parents watching TV that I fall asleep to.

One thing I learned is that rats can be trained to sniff out landmines. I believe this is a perfect example of how we can alter another's behavior. If the rat were to find a mine it is rewarded which is under the Continuous Reinforcement Principle. This is interesting because when I think of rats it reminds me of sewage and roting garbage instead of saving lives of soldiers. This doesn't change my view on anything because I still think rats are disgusting and I would scream if I say one. I wouldn't be thinking "Hey let's go train it to detect bombs" no I'd be thinking "How do I kill it?"