Chapter 4b

Question 1

Operant conditioning

Answer 1

a three-phase learning process that involves an antecedent, behaviour, and consequence, whereby the consequence of a behaviour determines the likelihood that it
will reoccur

Question 2

General info on 3 phase process of operant conditioning

Answer 2

Operant conditioning suggests that learning occurs through interacting with the external environment, which is why it constitutes a behaviourist approach to learning. From the perspective of operant conditioning, behaviour is not so much influenced by our thoughts, feelings, or emotions, but rather by direct and observable environmental consequences for behaviour.
Operant conditioning has three phases:
1. antecedent
2. behaviour
3. consequence.

Question 3

Antecedent

Answer 3

the stimulus or event that precedes and often elicits a particular behaviour

The owner says the command word ‘sit’ to their dog.

Question 4

Behaviour

Answer 4

The voluntary actions that occur in the presence of the antecedent.
The dog sits in response to the command word ‘sit’

Question 5

Consequence

Answer 5

The outcome of the behaviour, which determines the likelihood that it will occur again.
The owner gives the dog a treat after they sit upon command. This increases the likelihood that the dog will sit on command again in the future.

Question 6

Main type of consequences

Answer 6

Reinforcement
Punishment

Question 7

Reinforcement

Answer 7

Reinforcement refers to a consequence that increases the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring. This can occur in two ways:
• Positive reinforcement, or the addition of a desirable stimulus, which in turn increases the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring.
• Negative reinforcement, or the removal of an undesirable stimulus, which in turn increases the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring.

Question 8

Punishment

Answer 8

Punishment
a consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring
Positive punishment
the addition of an undesirable stimulus, which in turn decreases the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring
Negative punishment (also known as response cost) the removal of a desirable stimulus, which in turn decreases the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring

Question 9

Comparing classical and operant conditioning

Answer 9

both are behaviourist approaches to learning, although the learner is passive during classical conditioning (as they do not consciously decide to engage in the learned behaviour) and active during operant conditioning (as the behaviour is consciously changed or maintained in response to a consequence).

Question 10

Difference between classical and operant conditioning

Answer 10

Operant conditioning involves learning a voluntary behaviour, whereas classical conditioning involves learning an involuntary behaviour.
• Learners are active during operant conditioning, whereas learners are passive during classical conditioning.
• Operant conditioning requires a consequence, whereas there is no kind of consequence during classical conditioning.

Question 11

Similarities between classical and operant conditioning

Answer 11

Both are behaviourist approaches to learning.
• Both are three-phase processes of learning.
• Both require several trials in order for learning to occur. For example, during
classical conditioning, the neutral
and unconditioned stimuli need to be repeatedly paired in order for learning to occur. In operant conditioning, learning is more likely to occur if the consequence occurs several times in response to
a behaviour.