OPERANT CONDITIONING

DEFINITION

Learning in which a certain action is

reinforced or punished, resulting in corresponding increases or decreases in

occurrence

TERMS ASSOCIATED WITH OPERANT CONDITIONING1. SPONTANEOUS BEHAVIOR

Any voluntary behavior that the learner exhibits.

Example: Driving down Passaic Ave. at 100 MPH

2. CONSEQUENCES

The positive or negative results of the learner’s actions

Example: Getting a ticket

WHEN WILL LEARNING HAPPEN?

If operant conditioning is going to happen, a learned response will result from a second stimulus that is similar to the original spontaneous behavior

TERMS ASSOCIATED WITH OPERANT CONDITIONING (PART 2)3. STIMULUS

Something in the environment (similar to the original spontaneous behavior) that causes a learned response.

Example: Next time your drive on Passaic Ave.

4. LEARNED RESPONSE

The learned reaction to the stimulus.

Example: You obey the speed limit

HOW IS OPERANT CONDITIONING DIFFFERENT FROM CLASSICAL CONDITIONING?The responses in classical conditioning are automatic, reflexive, and usually physiological.

The responses in operant conditioning reflect thought and choice on the part of the learner.

OTHER TERMS RELATED TO OPERANT CONDITIONING

5. REINFORCEMENT

A stimulus or event that follows a response and increases the likelihood that the response will be repeated.

Example: The teacher praises a student for doing well on a project

OTHER TERMS RELATED TO OPERANT CONDITIONING (CONT.)6. FIXED-RATIO SCHEDULE OF REINFORCEMENT

A specific number of correct responses is required before reinforcement can be obtained

Examples:

1.Being paid every two weeks

2.Being ejected from a basketball game after five fouls

OTHER TERMS RELATED TO OPERANT CONDITIONING (CONT.)7. VARIABLE-RATIO SCHEDULE OF REINFORCEMENT

An unpredictable number of responses are required before reinforcement can be obtained.

Examples:

1.Playing a slot machine

2. Commissions sales

B.F. Skinner describes operant conditioning and schedules of reinforcement

OTHER TERMS RELATED TO OPERANT CONDITIONING (CONT.)8. NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT

Increasing the strength of a given response by removing or preventing a painful stimulus when the response occurs.

Example:

A child who hates liver and is served it for dinner throws a tantrum. The liver is removed and she gets her favorite food for dinner instead, a hot dog.

OTHER TERMS RELATED TO OPERANT CONDITIONING (CONT.)9. ESCAPE CONDITIONING

Training of a person to remove or end an unpleasant stimulus.

Example

Mom removes the liver and gives the child a hot dog.

OTHER TERMS RELATED TO OPERANT CONDITIONING (CONT.)10. AVOIDANCE CONDITIONING

Training of a person to withdraw from or prevent an unpleasant stimulus before it starts.

Example:

Mom knows that if she doesn’t want her child to throw a tantrum she won’t server her liver again.

OTHER TERMS RELATED TO OPERANT CONDITIONING (CONT.)11. PUNISHMENT

An unpleasant consequence occurs and decreases the frequency of the behavior that produced it.

Example:

Jail

Detention

Having your phone taken away