Skinner's Operant Learning

Skinner's Study of Behavior and Operant Learning

• Skinner studied how animals change their behavior through reinforcement and punishment.
• He developed terms to explain the processes of operant learning.
• Skinner used the term "reinforcer" to refer to any event that strengthens or increases the likelihood of a behavior.
• He used the term "punisher" to refer to any event that weakens or decreases the likelihood of a behavior.
• Skinner used the terms "positive" and "negative" to indicate whether a reinforcement was presented or removed.
• Positive reinforcement strengthens a response by presenting something pleasant after the response.
• Negative reinforcement strengthens a response by reducing or removing something unpleasant.
• Giving praise to a child for completing homework is an example of positive reinforcement.
• Taking aspirin to reduce headache pain is an example of negative reinforcement.
• Skinner's study of behavior and operant learning focused on animals.
• Skinner's research included detailed analysis of how reinforcement and punishment influence behavior.
• Skinner's work has had a lasting impact on the understanding of behavior and learning.