Explain the relevance of classical and operant conditioning in training and facilitation
Classical conditioning
Brief explanation of Classical conditioning
The Classical Conditioning theory was developed by Ivan Pavlov a theory that he used to explain behavior of human and animals. The theory involves learning a new behavior via the process of association hence the term behaviorism theory. In simple terms, two stimuli are linked together to produce a new learned response (behavior) in a person or animal. Classical conditioning emphasizes the importance of learning from the environment, and supports nurture over nature. Behaviorism is based on the assumption that all learning occurs through interactions with the environment and that the environment shapes behavior. That for a person to adapt to certain behavior it must be as a result of his or her interaction with her immediate environment. (Saul McLeod 2014).
An organization can apply this theory for instance by creating enabling/ good working environment a situation that will automatically cultivate positive attitude/behavior of hard work in employees’ hence high level of performance.
Explaining this using the stages of classical condition according to Ivan Pavlov would be:
Stage 1: Before conditioning
In this stage, the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) produces an unconditioned response (UCR) in an organism. In basic terms, this means that a stimulus in the environment has produced a behavior / response which is unlearned (i.e., unconditioned) and therefore is a natural response which has not been taught. In this respect, no new behavior has been learned yet. (Saul MacLeod 2014). From the example above; one can relate UCS to the new computerized data management system being introduced in the organization which in turn produces UCR which is resistance; this resistance is naturally triggered by the new data management system being introduced. In this case, resistance is the new behavior which has not been taught or learned but it automatically occurred as a result of the introduction of new computerized data management system.
Stage 2: During Conditioning
During this stage a stimulus which produces no response (i.e., neutral) is associated with the unconditioned stimulus at which point it now becomes known as the conditioned stimulus (CS). (Saul McLeod 2014). When resistance is noticed among the employees by the management, the management will try to find out what triggered the resistance (USR). In this case resistance (USR) is now associated with the new computerized data management system being introduced which now becomes the CS.
Stage 3: After Conditioning
Now the conditioned stimulus (CS) has been associated with the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) to create a new conditioned response (CR). At this stage, new computerized data management system which is CS is associated with the resistance (USR) being witnessed in the organization to create a new response (CR). (Saul McLeod 2014) which in this case I will call training as per my example above. When the organization finally finds the reason for resistance it will finally respond by trying to find a better solution to cub the resistance being witnessed among its employees. It may therefore opt to train the employees on the basics of computer and also orient them of the new system they are expected to use. In this case, training and orientation is expected to change the behavior of the employees in this case reduce/remove resistance by creating conducive working environment where the employees will now be knowledgeable about the system hence finding it easy to adapt to the changes.
Relevance of classical conditioning in training and facilitation
Since classical conditioning has been associated with how people behave and act, this theory can be used to bring about desired behavior change among staff in the organization trough training. In the world of work, there are often drastic changes on how work is done ranging from technology, new work techniques, work discipline among others things hence making training relevant to help staff to positively adapt to these changes. For instance; in an organization there could be a change in terms of data management from manual to computerized systems. For this change to be successfully effected, staff needs to be trained on the basics of computer and also be inducted or oriented on the computerized data management system that they are expected to use. This way they are aware of what is expected of them and the fact that they have been trained on how the system works, their behavior towards the changes will be positive because the training enables their work to be easy hence they will positively embrace the change. In this case, training can be used by the organization to achieve intended/desired results from the employees in regard to the new computerized data management system.
Operant Conditioning
Brief explanation of operant conditioning
According to K. Cherry, S. Gans 2018, Operant conditioning is a behavior learning theory developed by B F Skinner. This method of learning occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior. Positive behavior is reinforced by reward and negative behavior is discouraged through punishment. Through operant conditioning, an association is made between a behavior and a consequence for that behavior. Skinner used the term operant to refer to any "active behavior that operates upon the environment to generate consequences." In other words, Skinner's theory explained how we acquire the range of learned behaviors we exhibit each and every day. As a behaviorist, Skinner believed that it was not really necessary to look at internal thoughts and motivations in order to explain behavior. Instead, he suggested, we should look only at the external, observable causes of human behavior. Operant conditioning relies on a fairly simple premise - actions that are followed by reinforcement will be strengthened and more likely to occur again in the future. If behavior was followed by reinforcement, or a desirable outcome, the preceding actions are strengthened. On the other hand, actions that result in punishment or undesirable consequences will be weakened and less likely to occur again in the future.
Skinner distinguished between two different types of behaviors; respondent behaviors-these are behaviors that occur automatically and reflexively, such as pulling your hand back from a hot stove. You don't have to learn these behaviors; they simply occur automatically and are involuntarily. Operant behaviors- these are those behaviors under our conscious control. Some may occur spontaneously and others purposely, but it is the consequences of these actions that then influence whether or not they occur again in the future. According to Skinner, our actions on the environment and the consequences of that action make up an important part of the learning process.
Relevance of operant conditioning in training and facilitation
This theory can positively influence training and facilitation in organizations. For instance, an organization can make training compulsory or a requirement for any promotions in the organization. This then means that an employee who does not take part in trainings being offered he or she does not stand a chance of being promoted (reward) and if an employee does not take part in trainings then he or she remains stagnated at the current position (punishment). This kind of condition will bring about voluntary participation in trainings by employees due the consequences associated with not participating in training (job stagnation). Therefore, employees will be willing or forced to participate in the trainings due to consequences attached to nonparticipation.
REFERENCES
1. David L. (2015 June 19), Classical Conditioning (Skinner), in Learning Theories. Retrieved from: https://www.learning-theories.com/operant-conditioning-skinner.html
2. Kendra C., Steven G. (2018 January 31). What is Operant Conditioning and How Does it Work? Verywell Mind. Retrieved from: https://www.verywellmind.com>operantconditioning
3. McLeod, S. A. (2014), Classical Conditioning Simply Psychology. Retrieved from:
www.simplypsychology.org/classical-conditioning.html
4. Rebecca R. (2005). The Advantages of Operant Conditioning. Retrieved from:
https://classroom.synonym.com/advatages-operant-conditioning-8122477.html
Smwenje answered the question on November 15, 2018 at 16:19