Chapter 9: Problem 3

What is the difference between escape conditioning and avoidance conditioning?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Escape conditioning is a learning process where a behavior is reinforced by leading to the removal of an unpleasant stimulus. Avoidance conditioning, however, involves learning a behavior to prevent the unpleasant stimulus from occurring. The main difference lies in the timing of the unpleasant stimulus.

Step by step solution

Define Escape Conditioning

Escape conditioning is a type of learning where an organism learns to perform a certain behavior in order to terminate a present, unpleasant stimulus. This reinforces the behavior because it allows relief from the aversive condition.

Define Avoidance Conditioning

Avoidance conditioning, on the other hand, is the process through which an organism learns to perform a behavior to ensure an aversive stimulus is not presented at all. This behavior is reinforced because the organism successfully prevents the unpleasant circumstance.

Highlight the Difference

The primary difference between the two types of conditioning revolves around the timing. In escape conditioning, the unpleasant stimulus is already present and the organism learns to mitigate it through a certain behavior. In avoidance conditioning, the organism learns to perform a behavior to prevent the unpleasant stimulus from even occurring.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Psychology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

What is the difference between escape conditioning and avoidance conditioning?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define Escape Conditioning

Define Avoidance Conditioning

Highlight the Difference

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Psychology Textbooks

Stress

Scientific Investigation

Biological Bases of Behavior

Aggression

Cognition and Development

Sensation and Perception

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.