When we think about classical and operant conditioning, we need to remember that there are some things that can limit how well these learning processes work in real life. These factors can really change how effective learning can be, especially in different situations.

1. Biological Limitations

• Our genes play a big part in how we react to conditioning.
• For example, we may learn to fear things like snakes or heights more quickly because of evolution.
• Also, some behaviors come from our genes. Like how a cat will naturally avoid something harmful. This means that conditioning may not work as well for those behaviors.

2. Changing Environments

• Real life can be loud and unpredictable.
• If the signals we get are inconsistent, it can create confusion. For example, if a dog hears a bell and sometimes gets food after that, it might not connect the bell with food very well.
• An environment can also change how we act. For instance, a student may behave differently at home compared to school, which can affect how they learn through classical or operant methods.

3. Mental Factors

• Our thoughts and beliefs can also limit how well we learn.
• If someone thinks they won’t do well at something, they might not try as hard, no matter what kind of conditioning they’ve had.
• I noticed this when students with a growth mindset—who believe they can improve—were more likely to keep trying when they got positive feedback. In contrast, those with a fixed mindset often gave up easily.

4. Overexposure and Getting Used to Things

• If we are exposed to something too much, we might get used to it, and our response could lessen over time.
• For example, if we hear traffic noise all the time, we may stop feeling stressed by it.
• The same goes for operant conditioning. If we keep getting the same reward or if we expect rewards too often, we might lose interest and motivation.

Understanding these limitations helps us make sense of how people behave in real life. It shows us that while conditioning can be strong, it’s also shaped by our biology and the situations we are in.