What distinguishes classical conditioning from operant conditioning?

Classical conditioning is characterized by the association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus, leading to a conditioned response. This process involves antecedent events, which means that the unconditioned stimulus (such as food) naturally evokes a response (like salivation), and through repeated pairings with a neutral stimulus (like a bell), the neutral stimulus eventually elicits that same response on its own. This association is fundamental to classical conditioning and highlights its focus on how organisms learn through processes of association rather than through direct reinforcement.

In contrast, operant conditioning is centered on how behavior is influenced by consequences, such as rewards or punishments, which is not the primary focus in classical conditioning. While rewards can play a role in operant conditioning, classical conditioning does not rely on the active manipulation of consequences to shape behavior. Therefore, identifying the involvement of antecedent events is a key distinguishing feature of classical conditioning.