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Questions and Answers
What did B.F. Skinner become famous for?
What did B.F. Skinner become famous for?
According to Skinner, what is the focus of operant conditioning?
According to Skinner, what is the focus of operant conditioning?
In operant conditioning, what are 'antecedents'?
In operant conditioning, what are 'antecedents'?
What is a 'reinforcer' in operant conditioning?
What is a 'reinforcer' in operant conditioning?
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Which of the following is NOT a classification of reinforcers according to the text?
Which of the following is NOT a classification of reinforcers according to the text?
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How does Skinner describe 'operant' behaviors?
How does Skinner describe 'operant' behaviors?
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Which type of reinforcement involves strengthening behavior by presenting a desired stimulus after the behavior?
Which type of reinforcement involves strengthening behavior by presenting a desired stimulus after the behavior?
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What is the main difference between fixed-interval and variable-interval reinforcement schedules?
What is the main difference between fixed-interval and variable-interval reinforcement schedules?
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In operant conditioning, what type of response is considered voluntary?
In operant conditioning, what type of response is considered voluntary?
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Which reinforcement schedule reinforces students in an unpredictable way based on the number of responses?
Which reinforcement schedule reinforces students in an unpredictable way based on the number of responses?
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What type of consequence weakens or suppresses behavior in operant conditioning?
What type of consequence weakens or suppresses behavior in operant conditioning?
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What is the key difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning?
What is the key difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning?
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Study Notes
Operant Conditioning
- B.F. Skinner, an American psychologist, is famous for his pioneering research on learning and behavior.
- Operant conditioning is a type of learning that involves reinforcement and punishment.
Definition of Operant Conditioning
- Operant conditioning is learning in which voluntary behavior is strengthened or weakened by consequences or antecedents.
- Operant refers to voluntary (and generally goal-directed) behaviors emitted by a person or an animal.
Components of Operant Conditioning
- Antecedents: events that precede an action.
- Consequences: events that follow an action.
Reinforcement
- Reinforcer: any event that follows a behavior and increases the chances that the behavior will occur again.
- Reinforcement: process of using reinforcers to strengthen behavior.
Classification of Reinforcers
- Verbal: praise, encouragement.
- Physical: touches, pats, hugs.
- Non-Verbal: smiles, winks, warm looks.
- Activity: being allowed to play games, listen to music, etc.
- Token: points, chips, stars.
- Consumable: cookies.
Types of Reinforcement
- Positive Reinforcement: strengthening behavior by presenting a desired stimulus after the behavior.
- Negative Reinforcement: strengthening behavior by removing an aversive stimulus.
Punishment
- Punishment: any consequence that weakens or suppresses behavior.
- Positive Punishment: any event that, when given, decreases the frequency of a behavior.
- Negative Punishment: any event that, when removed, decreases the frequency of a behavior.
Reinforcement Schedules
- Fixed-Interval Schedule: when the learner is reinforced with an interval that is predictable.
- Variable-Interval Schedule: when the amount of time between reinforcers is allowed to change unpredictably.
- Fixed-Ratio Schedule: a schedule that reinforces students in a predictable way based on the number of responses.
- Variable-Ratio Schedule: a schedule that reinforces students in an unpredictable way based on the number of responses.
Comparing Classical and Operant Conditioning
- Classical conditioning results from the association of two stimuli, the US and the NS.
- Operant conditioning occurs when a response is followed by a reinforcer.
- In classical conditioning, the response is involuntary, while in operant conditioning, the response is voluntary.
Guidelines for Using Operant Conditioning
- Be clear and systematic in giving praise.
- Use reinforcement schedules to promote learning.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the American psychologist B.F. Skinner and his pioneering research on operant conditioning, a type of learning that involves reinforcement and punishment. Explore the principles and theories behind operant conditioning in this quiz.
