Operant Conditioning Overview

Operant conditioning is a learning method that uses rewards and punishments to influence behavior, named after B.F. Skinner.

An example is lab rats pressing a lever for food when the green light is on and avoiding it when the red light is on due to receiving a shock.

Operant conditioning influences behavior by reinforcing actions that yield positive outcomes and discouraging those with negative consequences.

<p>John B. Watson contributed by focusing on the principles of classical conditioning and emphasizing observable behavior over internal motivations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The two main elements are reinforcement (rewards) and punishment (negative consequences).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Skinner believed that focusing on observable behavior and external causes was sufficient to understand and predict actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Operant conditioning is useful for behavior modification because it can systematically reinforce desirable behaviors while discouraging unwanted ones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Continuous reinforcement involves providing a reinforcement every time a response occurs, leading to quick learning but a low response rate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fixed-ratio schedules reinforce behaviors after a specific number of responses, typically yielding a steady response rate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behavior, such as not having to take a final exam for perfect attendance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Partial reinforcement, where behaviors are reinforced only sometimes, helps maintain behavior over time and can lead to more robust learning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Positive punishment involves applying an unpleasant consequence to decrease a behavior, such as a boss scolding an employee for late project submissions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Variable-interval schedules provide reinforcement after varied time intervals, usually resulting in a fast response rate and slow extinction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Teachers can use operant conditioning by rewarding children for completing homework with praise or privileges, encouraging compliance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Understanding reinforcement schedules helps tailor interventions effectively, maximizing desired outcomes in behavior change.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Operant refers to any active behavior that operates upon the environment to generate consequences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Thorndike's law of effect states that actions followed by desirable outcomes are more likely to be repeated, which is a foundational principle of operant conditioning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Operant behaviors are under conscious control and influenced by consequences, while respondent behaviors occur automatically and reflexively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Skinner box is used to study and measure the responses of animals to rewards and reinforcements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Positive reinforcement is the addition of a favorable event to increase a behavior, such as receiving praise for good work.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Negative reinforcement involves the removal of an unpleasant condition to strengthen a behavior, whereas punishment aims to decrease a behavior by presenting adverse outcomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An example of positive punishment is spanking a child for misbehaving.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Negative punishment occurs when a favorable event is removed following a behavior, such as taking away toys after misbehavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Reinforcers strengthen or increase the likelihood of a behavior occurring again.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Extinction refers to the fading and disappearance of a behavior when it is no longer reinforced or punished.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The two types of reinforcement are positive and negative; positive reinforcement adds a pleasant outcome to strengthen behavior, while negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant condition.</p> Signup and view all the answers