Operant Conditioning PDF
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This document presents a detailed explanation of operant conditioning, a learning theory developed by B.F. Skinner. It outlines the concepts of reinforcement and punishment, their various types, and the potential problems associated with punishment. The document also distinguishes operant conditioning from negative reinforcement.
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OPERANT CONDITIONING Presented by: Monica Aranil Alaiza Ann Benasa Lourice Maravilla Gealyn Marie Naron Hae Sun Park Atasha Camille Raip Rochelle Anne Marquez WHO IS B.F SKINNER? The American psychologist and social scientist B.F. Skinner was...
OPERANT CONDITIONING Presented by: Monica Aranil Alaiza Ann Benasa Lourice Maravilla Gealyn Marie Naron Hae Sun Park Atasha Camille Raip Rochelle Anne Marquez WHO IS B.F SKINNER? The American psychologist and social scientist B.F. Skinner was one the most influential psychologists of the 20th century. Skinner pioneered the science of behaviorism. During the 1930s, B. F. Skinner proposed the theory of operant conditioning... OPERANT CONDITIONING A method of learning that uses rewards and punishment to modify behavior. Through operant conditioning, behavior that is rewarded is likely to be repeated, while behavior that is punished is prone to happen less. OPERANT CONDITIONING Skinner identified three types of responses, or operant, that can follow behavior.... Neutral operants: Responses from the environment that neither increase nor decrease the probability of a behavior being repeated. Reinforcers: Responses from the environment that increase the probability of a behavior being repeated. Reinforcers can be either positive or negative. Punishers: Responses from the environment that decrease the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. Punishment weakens behavior. POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT refers to the introduction of a desirable or pleasant stimulus after a behavior. The desirable stimulus reinforces the behavior, making it more likely that the behavior will reoccur. (Ackerman, 2019) TYPES OF POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT 1. Natural reinforcers are those that occur directly as a result of the behavior. 2. Social reinforcers involve expressing approval for desirable behavior 3. Tangible reinforcers involve actual physical rewards for desirable behavior. These could include candy, treats, toys, money, or some other desirable object. While these rewards can be powerful, their overuse can disincentivize the behavior when they are not used. 4. Token reinforcers are points or tokens awarded for performing certain actions. These can then be exchanged for something of value. NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT A learning process of removing an undesirable stimulus after a desired behavior is displayed in order to increase the chance of repeating that behavior. (Dozier, Foley, Goddard, & Jess, 2019). TYPES OF NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT 1. Escape learning occurs when an animal performs a behavior (such as pressing a lever) to stop or avoid an aversive stimulus. 2. Avoidance learning occurs when an animal performs a behavior (such as jumping over a hurdle) to avoid or escape an aversive stimulus (such as an electric shock). POSITIVE PUNISHMENT -this refers to giving or adding an undesirable consequence after an unwanted behavior to make it less appealing. This works by presenting a negative consequence after an undesired behavior is exhibited, making the behavior less likely to happen in the future. TYPES OF POSITIVE PUNISHMENT 1. Pain-inducing punishment: This involves applying physical pain or discomfort as a consequence of the unwanted behavior. For example, spanking or electric shocks. 2. Verbal reprimands: This involves using words to express disapproval or criticism of the behavior. It can range from mild to harsh depending on the situation. 3. Time-out: This involves removing the individual from a positive situation as a consequence of the unwanted behavior. For example, sending a child to sit quietly in a designated area for a few minutes. 4. Restriction of privileges: This involves taking away privileges or desirable items as a consequence of the unwanted behavior. For example, revoking screen time or going out with friends. NEGATIVE PUNISHMENT Involves reducing a behavior or response by taking away a favorable stimulus following that action. Often referred as “punishment by removal”. TYPES OF NEGATIVE PUNISHMENT 1. Response Cost - involves taking away a reinforcer or privilege that the person already earned. 2. Time Out - involves removing a favorite reinforcer for a period of time following an undesirable behavior. 3. Ignoring - involves withholding attention after an undesirable behavior. THERE ARE MANY PROBLEMS WITH USING PUNISHMENT, SUCH AS: 1. Punished behavior is not forgotten, it’s suppressed – behavior returns when punishment is no longer present. 2. Causes increased aggression – shows that aggression is a way to cope with problems. 3. Creates fear that can generalize to undesirable behaviors, e.g., fear of school. 4. Does not necessarily guide you toward desired behavior – reinforcement tells you what to do, and punishment only tells you what not to do. REINFORCEMENT VS. PUNISHMENT Many people confuse negative reinforcement with punishment in operant conditioning, but they are two very different mechanisms. Remember that reinforcement, even when it is negative, always increases a behavior. In contrast, punishment always decreases behavior. Negative reinforcement, on the other hand, removes an unpleasant condition after a desired behavior is displayed to increase the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future (Dozier, Foley, Goddard, & Jess, 2019). REFERENCE Main, P. (2023, March 28). Skinner’s Theories. Structural Learning. https://www.structural- learning.com/post/skinners-theories McMillen M. (2023). Operant Conditioning: What It Is and How It Works. https://www.webmd.com/mental- health/what-is-operant-conditioning? fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1S9RnGLpqoxZEjWuAyl6bPGWsMiDSHbFCBj29AD4wAmwxNP8KUvIgv2Gk_aem_ QVgAeCUsCKkEZQlRwA6t1g Nickerson C. (2024). What is Negative Reinforcement? https://www.simplypsychology.org/negative- reinforcement.html. Simply Psychology. (2024, February 2). Positive reinforcement: what is it and how does it work? https://www.simplypsychology.org/positive- reinforcement.html#:~:text=There%20are%20four%20types%20of,of%20a%20partially%20fixed%20schedule. Simply Psychology. (2024b, February 2). What Is Negative Reinforcement? Examples & Definition. https://www.simplypsychology.org/negative- reinforcement.html#:~:text=There%20are%20two%20types%20of,to%20prevent%20the%20aversive%20stimulus