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Questions and Answers
What did B.F. Skinner become famous for?
According to Skinner, what is the focus of operant conditioning?
In operant conditioning, what are 'antecedents'?
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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
