Operant conditioning
This differs to classical conditioning as it says the learning is a voluntary response. In operant conditioning learning occurs through consequence. This theory was tested and devised by Skinner, using the Skinner box.
The ABC model
Antecedent: a stimulus triggers behaviour e.g. lights, noise
Behaviour: can observe what happens e.g. pressing lever
Consequence: what happens after the behaviour is shown e.g. reward or punishment such as food or shock
Reinforcement and Punishment
These are the 2 main elements of operant conditioning. Reinforcement encourages a desired behaviour to be repeated whereas punishment is used to discourage undesirable behaviour. Reinforcement can be positive or negative.
Positive reinforcement: something pleasant is given after desirable behaviour is shown. This leads the behaviour to be repeated. E.g. child is rewarded with sweets if they have done their homework
Negative reinforcement: the removal of something unpleasant when desirable behaviour is shown, this encourages the desired behaviour to be repeated e.g. a child is nagged if they do not do their homework, if they do their homework the parent stops nagging them, therefore they will continue to do homework to avoid the nagging
Punishment: does not encourage behaviour to be repeated by giving something unpleasant when undesirable behaviour is shown e.g. giving a detention if homework is not complete
Exam hint: Make sure you understand the difference between negative reinforcement and punishment, this is a common mistake people make.
Primary reinforcers: satisfy a basic need e.g. food, water
Secondary reinforcers: are associated with primary reinforcers, the reward is something that can satisfy a basic need but is not the basic need itself e.g. money which can buy food
Strengths
+ Reinforcement has wide application and is used in schools, prisons and hospitals in order to encourage desired behaviour
+ Evidence comes from lab experiments which are highly controlled and can establish cause and effect relationships. Skinner box is
considered scientific as it measures the response to different animals
Weaknesses
- The reinforcer needs to be something the person wants in order to be successful e.g. giving a sticker and certificate may not be desirable to 18 year olds, but work with a 5 year old.
- Need to make sure reward is not given every time otherwise the person does not shape their behaviour, but instead become dependent on the reward.
- Punishment removes rather than creates behaviour – and may return if punishment is removed
This differs to classical conditioning as it says the learning is a voluntary response. In operant conditioning learning occurs through consequence. This theory was tested and devised by Skinner, using the Skinner box.
The ABC model
Antecedent: a stimulus triggers behaviour e.g. lights, noise
Behaviour: can observe what happens e.g. pressing lever
Consequence: what happens after the behaviour is shown e.g. reward or punishment such as food or shock
Reinforcement and Punishment
These are the 2 main elements of operant conditioning. Reinforcement encourages a desired behaviour to be repeated whereas punishment is used to discourage undesirable behaviour. Reinforcement can be positive or negative.
Positive reinforcement: something pleasant is given after desirable behaviour is shown. This leads the behaviour to be repeated. E.g. child is rewarded with sweets if they have done their homework
Negative reinforcement: the removal of something unpleasant when desirable behaviour is shown, this encourages the desired behaviour to be repeated e.g. a child is nagged if they do not do their homework, if they do their homework the parent stops nagging them, therefore they will continue to do homework to avoid the nagging
Punishment: does not encourage behaviour to be repeated by giving something unpleasant when undesirable behaviour is shown e.g. giving a detention if homework is not complete
Exam hint: Make sure you understand the difference between negative reinforcement and punishment, this is a common mistake people make.
Primary reinforcers: satisfy a basic need e.g. food, water
Secondary reinforcers: are associated with primary reinforcers, the reward is something that can satisfy a basic need but is not the basic need itself e.g. money which can buy food
Strengths
+ Reinforcement has wide application and is used in schools, prisons and hospitals in order to encourage desired behaviour
+ Evidence comes from lab experiments which are highly controlled and can establish cause and effect relationships. Skinner box is
considered scientific as it measures the response to different animals
Weaknesses
- The reinforcer needs to be something the person wants in order to be successful e.g. giving a sticker and certificate may not be desirable to 18 year olds, but work with a 5 year old.
- Need to make sure reward is not given every time otherwise the person does not shape their behaviour, but instead become dependent on the reward.
- Punishment removes rather than creates behaviour – and may return if punishment is removed