Operant Conditioning and B.F. Skinner
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Questions and Answers

B.F. Skinner was a pioneer of the science of ______.

behaviorism

Operant conditioning uses ______ and punishment to modify behavior.

rewards

The three types of responses identified by Skinner are neutral operants, ______, and punishers.

reinforcers

Positive reinforcement involves the introduction of a desirable or ______ stimulus after a behavior.

<p>pleasant</p> Signup and view all the answers

Natural reinforcers occur directly as a result of ______.

<p>behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

Negative reinforcement involves removing an undesirable ______ to increase desired behavior.

<p>stimulus</p> Signup and view all the answers

Escape learning occurs when an animal performs a behavior to stop or avoid an ______ stimulus.

<p>aversive</p> Signup and view all the answers

Token reinforcers can be exchanged for something of ______.

<p>value</p> Signup and view all the answers

Avoidance learning occurs when an animal performs a behavior to avoid an aversive ______.

<p>stimulus</p> Signup and view all the answers

Positive punishment involves giving an undesirable consequence after an ______ behavior.

<p>unwanted</p> Signup and view all the answers

An example of pain-inducing punishment is ______ or electric shocks.

<p>spanking</p> Signup and view all the answers

Negative punishment is often referred to as 'punishment by ______'.

<p>removal</p> Signup and view all the answers

Response cost involves taking away a ______ or privilege that the person already earned.

<p>reinforcer</p> Signup and view all the answers

One problem with using punishment is that punished behavior is not forgotten, it’s ______.

<p>suppressed</p> Signup and view all the answers

Reinforcement, even when negative, always ______ a behavior.

<p>increases</p> Signup and view all the answers

Punishment always ______ behavior.

<p>decreases</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

B.F. Skinner and Behaviorism

  • B.F. Skinner was a prominent American psychologist influential in the 20th century.
  • He is known for pioneering the field of behaviorism.
  • Skinner developed the theory of operant conditioning in the 1930s.

Operant Conditioning Overview

  • A learning method that modifies behavior through rewards and punishments.
  • Rewarded behaviors are likely to be repeated, while punished behaviors tend to decrease.

Types of Responses in Operant Conditioning

  • Neutral Operants: Environmental responses that have no effect on behavior likelihood.
  • Reinforcers: Responses that increase the likelihood of behavior repetition, which can be positive (adding a desirable stimulus) or negative (removing an aversive stimulus).
  • Punishers: Responses that decrease the likelihood of behavior repetition.

Positive Reinforcement

  • Introduction of a pleasant stimulus after a behavior to encourage its recurrence.
  • Types of positive reinforcement:
    • Natural Reinforcers: Outcomes that occur directly from the behavior.
    • Social Reinforcers: Approval or praise for desirable behavior.
    • Tangible Reinforcers: Physical rewards like treats or money for desirable actions.
    • Token Reinforcers: Points or tokens earned that can be exchanged for rewards.

Negative Reinforcement

  • Removal of an undesirable stimulus after a desired behavior to enhance the likelihood of that behavior repeating.
  • Types of negative reinforcement:
    • Escape Learning: Performing a behavior to cease an aversive stimulus.
    • Avoidance Learning: Acting to avoid an aversive stimulus entirely.

Positive Punishment

  • Introduction of an undesirable consequence to discourage unwanted behavior.
  • Types of positive punishment:
    • Pain-Inducing Punishment: Physical pain or discomfort as a result of behavior.
    • Verbal Reprimands: Using words to express disapproval of the behavior.
    • Time-Out: Removal from a positive environment due to undesirable behavior.
    • Restriction of Privileges: Taking away privileges as punishment for unwanted actions.

Negative Punishment

  • Reducing behavior by removing a favorable stimulus following that behavior.
  • Often referred to as “punishment by removal.”
  • Types of negative punishment:
    • Response Cost: Taking away previously earned reinforcers or privileges.
    • Time Out: Withholding a favorite reinforcer for a duration after undesirable behavior.
    • Ignoring: Withholding attention after undesirable behavior occurs.

Issues with Using Punishment

  • Punished behavior is suppressed rather than forgotten; it can return when punishment ceases.
  • Can lead to increased aggression as a coping mechanism.
  • May create generalized fear towards situations (e.g., fear of school).
  • Does not provide guidance on desired behaviors; reinforcement indicates what to do, while punishment only indicates what not to do.

Reinforcement vs. Punishment

  • Negative reinforcement increases behavior by removing unpleasant stimuli, while punishment decreases behavior by introducing negative consequences.
  • Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective behavior modification strategies.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of operant conditioning and its originator, B.F. Skinner. Learn about the principles of behaviorism that Skinner pioneered and how they have influenced psychology. Test your knowledge and understanding of these fundamental psychological theories.

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