Operant Conditioning Theory Quiz

Questions and Answers

What does Operant Conditioning Theory refer to?

A concept of cognitive development

A behavioral learning theory founded by B.F. Skinner (correct)

A technique used in social learning

A method of punishment

What is reinforcement according to Skinner?

A technique where the frequency of a behavior is increased or decreased by positive or negative reinforcement.

What is positive reinforcement?

Increasing the frequency of a behavior by presenting a negative reinforcer

Decreasing the frequency of a behavior by punishment

Increasing the likelihood of a behavior by presenting a positive reinforcer (correct)

None of the above

What is negative reinforcement?

Increasing a behavior to avoid a negative event Signup and view all the answers

Punishment is the presentation of a pleasant event to increase a behavior.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is Social Learning Theory?

A behavioral learning theory founded by Albert Bandura. Signup and view all the answers

Define antecedent event.

An environmental event that occurs before the problem. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'behavior' refer to in this context?

The act that is the focus of the analysis and target for change. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence in behavioral learning?

The event that occurs after or as a result of the behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Operant Conditioning Theory

Developed by B.F. Skinner, this theory focuses on how behavior is learned and modified through environmental changes and reinforcement by significant others.
Behavior changes occur as a result of interactions with the environment.

Reinforcement

Skinner's concept indicating that behavior can be increased or decreased through reinforcement.
Positive or negative reinforcement modifies the frequency of behaviors.

Positive Reinforcement

Involves presenting a positive reinforcer (reward) to increase the likelihood of a behavior occurring.
Examples include rewards, praise, or approval that encourage specific actions.

Negative Reinforcement

Involves introducing a negative reinforcer or aversive event to increase behavior frequency by encouraging avoidance or escape from the negative condition.
Examples include wearing a seatbelt to avoid a warning sound or avoiding criticism by modifying behavior.

Punishment

Refers to the introduction of an undesirable event following a behavior, aimed at reducing the occurrence of that behavior.
Differentiated from reinforcement, which seeks to promote behavior rather than diminish it.

Founded by Albert Bandura, this theory posits that behaviors are learned through observation and can be altered by changes in the events surrounding the behavior.
Key components are Antecedent event, Behavior, and Consequence.

Antecedent Event

Environmental factors or stimuli occurring before a behavior that may influence its initiation.

Behavior

The specific action or performance that is targeted for analysis and change.

Consequence

The outcomes or events that follow a behavior, which can affect the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future.

Description

Test your knowledge of B.F. Skinner's Operant Conditioning Theory, focusing on concepts like reinforcement, positive and negative reinforcement, and punishment. This quiz evaluates your understanding of how behavior is learned and modified through environmental interactions and reinforcements.