Behaviorism Theory and Reinforcement

Behaviorism Theory

• Skinner, a leading American psychologist, proposed a learning theory based on conditioning (stimulus, reward, punishment).
• Learning occurs through operant conditioning, where behavior is shaped by consequences.
• Formal education uses this type of learning to create optimal patterns of stimulus and response (reward and punishment).
• Reinforcement is key in shaping behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

• Encourages desired behaviors through rewards (verbal praise, stickers, tokens, tangible rewards).
• Increases the likelihood of repeated desired behaviors.
• Examples include praising a student for homework completion, awarding stickers for good classroom behavior, or giving extra recess time.
• Benefits include boosting self-esteem, encouraging goal achievement, and creating a positive learning environment.

Negative Reinforcement

• Increases behavior by removing unpleasant stimuli.
• Examples include reducing homework for good test scores, skipping a quiz if pre-test scores are high, or exempting students from penalties if they correct their mistakes.
• Reduces anxiety and stress, boosts motivation, and helps avoid unpleasant situations.

Punishment

• Applied to discourage undesirable behaviors.
• Includes reprimands, time-outs, or loss of privileges.
• For example, scolding a student, taking away privileges, or extra work for not paying attention.
• Should be used cautiously to avoid impacting student motivation and self-esteem.

Reinforcement and Punishment in Skinner's Theory

• Reinforcement and punishment are central to shaping behavior, impacting how individuals act in the future.
• Correct answers repeated.
• Incorrect answers lessen probability of repetition.