Examples Of Classical Conditioning In The Military

Learning Through Conditioning in the Military We as humans can learn skills and behaviors through many means; all of these approaches have been narrowed down into three categories, and referenced as conditioning. The three categories are, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning. Classical Conditioning is defined as “repeated pairings of potential attitude objects with positively and negatively valenced stimuli” or simply reaction to a stimuli (Olson & Fazio, 2001). In contrast operant conditioning “is behavior ‘controlled’ by its consequences” (Staddon & Cerutti, 2003). Finally, in the last form learning discussed, observational learning, “individuals learn not only from their own actions and outcomes but also from those that are observed” (Burke, Tobler, Baddeley, Schultz, & Ungerleider, 2010). Each method of development can be used to acquire different skills or needed attitudes. With some being more difficult to acquire and others simply requiring a repetitive nature in order for the attitude to become ingrained. The following examples are all instances from within my life that the varying methods have been used. A large part of any new military members life during their
Operant conditioning is easily visible daily in all branches of the military and for all it begins the moment an individual steps off the bus at BMT and does not end until the member has either separated or retired from service. As discussed earlier when looking at classical conditioning, the military desires to transform a group of individuals into cohesive teams, relying on each other for mission accomplishment. Operant conditioning plays a large part of this, helping to develop the desired traits within each member, through both positive and negative