what is the difference between classical and operant conditioning?

Both classical and operant conditioning result in the learning of a behaviour and are a key concept in behavioural Psychology. Classical conditioning involves a neutral stimulus (such as the sound of a bell ringing) with an unconditioned stimulus (e.g the taste of food). In the case of Pavlov's dogs, the unconditioned stimulus naturally triggers salivating as a response to food which is known as the unconditioned response. When presented simultaneously, the neutral stimulus (bell) becomes associated with the salivating of food (which becomes the conditioned response).

Operant conditioning focuses on using punishment or reward as a way of learning behaviour. For example, if a child is rewarded (i.e with sweets) for being kind to his brother, he is more likely to repeat this behaviour with the intention of receiving the same reward again. Just as if he is punished for being horrid to his brother, it is less probable that he will show this mean behaviour again.