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Question

Operant conditioning differs from classical conditioning because it :

This question was previously asked in
UPTET 2026 Paper 2 Social Studies Question Paper (3-Jul-2026) (Shift 1)
The correct answer is

Involves voluntary responses

Classical conditioning, as demonstrated by Pavlov, involves involuntary, reflexive responses (like salivation) that are automatically triggered by a paired stimulus.

Operant conditioning, as described by Skinner, is fundamentally different because it involves voluntary responses — behaviours an organism actively chooses to perform, which are then strengthened or weakened based on their consequences (reinforcement or punishment).

Being reflexive or automatic describes classical conditioning, not operant conditioning, and operant conditioning does require reinforcement to shape behaviour, so those options do not capture the real distinction.

Hence, operant conditioning differs from classical conditioning because it involves voluntary responses.

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Similar Questions

  1. Thorndike's Trial and error learning is limited because it:

  2. A student who stops participating after harsh criticism demonstrates limitation of:

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Important Questions from Theories & Concepts of Behaviorism

  1. Identify among the following the contribution of behaviourism
    A) Objective observation
    B) Introspection
    C) Role of environment in shaping behaviour
    D) Use of reinforcement and rewards
    Choose the correct answer:
  2. Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). 

    Assertion (A): Classical conditioning is faster when UCS is presented immediately after CS rather than before. 

    Reason (R): According to cognitive perspective, classical conditioning occurs because CS provides expectancy about the coming of UCS. 

    In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

  3. Which of the following are innate behaviours :
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    (b) Taxes
    (c) Fixed Action Patterns
    (d) Genotype
    Codes :
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  5. A student who stops participating after harsh criticism demonstrates limitation of:

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