Operant Conditioning Overview

Operant Conditioning

• Operant conditioning is a type of learning where the frequency of a behavior depends on the consequences that follow.
• Consequences that increase the likelihood of a behavior are called reinforcement, while those that decrease the likelihood are called punishment.
• Edward Thorndike developed the law of effect, suggesting behaviors with positive consequences occur more frequently, and those with negative consequences occur less frequently.
• B.F. Skinner furthered the principles of operant conditioning.
• Reinforcement can be positive (adding something desirable) or negative (removing something undesirable).
• Punishment can be positive (adding something undesirable) or negative (removing something desirable).

The Law of Effect

• Behaviors with favorable consequences become more frequent.
• Behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences become less frequent.
• This principle was developed by Edward Thorndike.

Reinforcement and Punishment

• Reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior.
• Punishment decreases the likelihood of a behavior.
• Positive reinforcement adds something desirable.
• Negative reinforcement removes something undesirable.
• Positive punishment adds something undesirable.
• Negative punishment removes something desirable.

Skinner Box

• A Skinner box is a device used to study operant conditioning.
• It is a small enclosure with a lever or button that an animal can press to receive a reward (e.g., food) or avoid a punishment (e.g., shock).
• This allows researchers to observe how consequences shape behavior.

Positive and Negative Reinforcement

• Positive reinforcement: adding a desirable stimulus to increase behavior. (e.g., praising a child for good behavior)
• Negative reinforcement: removing an undesirable stimulus to increase behavior. (e.g., taking aspirin to relieve a headache)

Immediate vs. Delayed Reinforcement

• Immediate reinforcement is more effective than delayed reinforcement.
• The immediate reward, like nicotine, outweighs long-term health consequences.
• Delaying gratification is a crucial skill for long-term success.

Primary vs. Secondary Reinforcement

• Primary reinforcement: naturally rewarding stimuli (e.g., food, water).
• Secondary reinforcement: learned rewarding stimuli (e.g., money, praise).

Schedules of Reinforcement

• Continuous reinforcement: rewarding every correct response. (e.g., a child gets a cookie every time they clean their room)
• Partial reinforcement: rewarding some correct responses.
  • Fixed interval: reward after a fixed time interval. (e.g., a quiz every Friday)
  • Variable interval: reward after a variable time interval. (e.g., pop quizzes)
  • Fixed ratio: reward after a fixed number of correct responses. (e.g., buy 10 coffees get 1 free)
  • Variable ratio: reward after a variable number of correct responses.(e.g., slot machines)

Interval Schedules

• Fixed interval: reward after a fixed time period. (e.g., bi-weekly paychecks)
• Variable interval: reward after varying time periods. (e.g., pop quizzes)

Ratio Schedules

• Fixed ratio: reward after a set number of responses. (e.g., piece-rate pay)
• Variable ratio: reward after a varying number of responses. (e.g., gambling)

The Role of Cognition

• Latent learning: learning that occurs but isn't immediately evident.
• Overjustification effect: rewarding a behavior already enjoyed, potentially reducing intrinsic motivation.

Learning New Habits

• Self-control is key to learning new habits.
• Exercising self-control in one area can improve it in other areas.

Common Problems with Punishment

• Punishment doesn't eliminate the desire for the behavior.
• It can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression.

Shaping

• Shaping. Reinforcing behaviors that are increasingly similar to the desired behavior.

Explore the principles of operant conditioning, a learning theory where behavior is influenced by its consequences. Understand the concepts of reinforcement and punishment, and learn about the contributions of Edward Thorndike and B.F. Skinner to this field of psychology.