How We Learn

      For many people learning new things can be an easy process and for some it may be rather difficult depending on the willingness of the recipient to want to learn. We rely on our elders, parents, and teachers to teach us valuable life skills at a young age but as we grow older we begin to overlook the significance of the two types of conditioning that may have been applied in our own learning process. These two types of conditioning are known as classical conditioning and operant conditioning. 
People use classical conditioning when they learn to relate a fire alarm with the flashing red lights in the building to danger. They also use their senses to differentiate between different associations in different environments. The study and research of classical conditioning can help us understand the way we learn new things.
Learning through association was first recognized by Aristotle, but the history of studying learning didn’t end there. People have always understood the meaning of learning new things but we can learn more about the instincts of learning from analyzing the works of many researchers. Ivan Paulov first researched the learning curve by utilizing classical condition. As one of the first researchers to follow Aristotle’s theory of learning by association he was able to use dogs salivating for food as an example of classical conditioning. The dogs would rely on certain associations to know it was time to eat their food. Benjamin B. Lahey the author of Psychology an Introduction states, “Paulov considered classical conditioning to be a form of learning through association” (198). Lahey continues, “Classical conditioning is also referred to as Paulovian conditioning” The research of Ivan Paulov is effectively used to help training dogs into learning new things.
The second way we learn new things is through experience or operant conditioning. Lahey states, “Learning from the consequences of our behavior is called operant conditioning” (205). People learn best by trial and error or by using Operant Conditioning. Lahey states, “Is the form of learning in which the consequences of behavior lead to changes in the probability of its occurrence” (205). Remembering the negative consequences of our actions is a way of perfecting a skill to achieve a positive reinforcement. Society punishes those people who make mistakes and give in to negative reinforcement and likewise society will praise people who do well with positive reinforcement.
Classical Conditioning can be thought of as learning to associate smoke to a fire or the sound of water running to a leak. Everyone uses classical condition to solve problems quickly. Firefighters, Engineers, and Police officers use association to effectively complete task everyday. Much like intuition Classical Conditioning is something that has always been effectively used to interpret and predict events about to happen.
Operant Conditioning can be effectively used by everyone as well, but most everyone will agree learning the hard way not to speed in a car or drink and drive is not the best way of learning. Learning a new skill may be based on trial and error but the risk involved can point out many negative reinforces on the way to achieving the desired positive reinforcement. Athletes such as ice skaters may become injured several time just to learn new skills to achieve their positive reinforcement. By combining Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning it is possible to learn to achieve greatness by using the safest techniques available.
Learning is a part of everyone’s daily lives. It is important that we realize the differences between classical conditioning (learning through association) and Operant conditioning (learning from our actions). The combination of being able to utilize both of these tools in our everyday lives can help us all achieve the positive reinforcement we strive for.

Works Cited:

Psychology An Introduction, Lahey Benjamin B. McGraw and Hill Companies Inc. The United states Of America (2007).