What is learning? Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior that occurs based on experience. How we learn is the result of different processes. Psychologists often classify learning into two fundamental categories: classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Though somewhat simplistic, this distinction is useful. But what significance do they have? If you relate these concepts to real life, you will remember them more easily. Here are some examples:

	You still get a little weak in the knees when you smell the unique perfume (or cologne) of an old flame.
	Your heart beats faster when the dentist warms up the drill. Maybe your heart beats faster when you just walk into the office.
	You wonder how some people train their cats to use the toilet.

Classical and operant conditioning can account for these phenomena. Some learning occurs just by watching or observing the actions of others. This is called observational learning.

This activity consists of four modules that will help you understand these key types of learning. You may work through each module in sequence or access each module separately. We suggest that you begin with Habituation and Sensitization and move sequentially through the modules, unless otherwise advised by your instructor.

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