Explain the difference between classical and operant conditioning in terms of the relationship between the relevant preceding environmental events that occur before the learned response,and the learned response itself.Describe how this difference influences the extent to which each type of conditioning is subject to conscious monitoring and control.

This is a very difficult question that requires considerable analysis and extrapolation of the material presented in the text in order to arrive at the appropriate conclusions.A suggested response follows:

Classical conditioning is the process by which individuals learn to link the information value from a neutral stimulus to a stimulus that would not naturally cause a response.It involves both stimuli and responses that are manifestations of reflexive behavior.In the classical conditioning process,an unconditioned stimulus (i.e. ,the preceding environmental event)brings out a natural reflex response.This response,such as flinching,blinking,or becoming emotionally aroused,is automatic and generally not perceived as being under the voluntary control of the individual experiencing it.In this way,the process of classical conditioning is essentially determined by the nature of the reflexive response that always occurs in the presence of the unconditioned stimulus.The resulting relationship between the conditioned stimulus and conditional response is an automatic,unconscious one.An individual cannot choose whether or not to emit a classically conditioned response.In the presence of the conditioned stimulus,the conditional response will occur,in the same way that,in the presence of the unconditioned stimulus,the natural reflex response will occur.

In operant conditioning,the preceding environmental events act as a stimulus to the behavior.A particular consequence is likely if the response is emitted in the presence of that stimulus.It is the consequences of the behavior that influences the learning process,rather than the preceding stimulus (as in the case of classical conditioning).In operant conditioning,the behavior is typically experienced as voluntary (or capable of being controlled by the individual through a conscious effort).The environmental stimulus does not automatically elicit a reflexive response.Rather,that preceding stimulus demonstrates an opportunity for an individual to experience a particular consequence,depending upon whether or not the individual emits the learned response.Thus,operant conditioning is often perceived as being under conscious control,with an individual having the choice of whether or not to emit the response,and thus receive the consequence.It should be noted,however,that operant conditioning and operant responses can occur without conscious awareness,so even though the behavior is essentially voluntary,it may not always be subject to conscious monitoring and control.