Conditioning and Learning

A sea lion at a zoo is trained to wave to a crowd of visitors. During training, the sea lion receives a fish each time she moves her flipper in a way that appears to be waving. The trainer also blows a whistle each time he gives the sea lion a fish. As the sea lion becomes more stable and advanced in her waves to the crowd, the trainer sometimes provides a fish and sometimes blows a whistle. There is no particular order or timing to when he provides a fish or blows the whistle. The trainer does not hit or yell at the sea lion as part of training.

For this discussion:

Describe whether the trainer is using classical or operant conditioning, or both. In your description of the training, use the language of learning theory, with concepts such as unconditioned stimulus (US), conditioned stimulus (CS), unconditioned response (UCR), conditioned response (CR), positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and punishment.
Identify the schedule of reinforcement the trainer is using (fixed ratio, variable ratio, fixed interval, variable interval). Defend your answer.
Describe an example from your own learning, and using the language of learning theory, describe the type of learning.
Use APA (6th edition) style and formatting for citing references.

Response Guidelines
Provide substantive responses to the initial posts of at least two other learners. Contribute to the conversation by asking questions, respectfully debating positions, or responding freely to the topic at hand. Your responses should reference assigned readings as well as other academic references that support your views and writings. Use APA (6th edition) style and formatting for citing references.

Note: As you read through the posts of your peers, you might find opinions and value sets that differ from your own. Remember to be respectful of others’ opinions and value perspectives.