CLA: Behaviourism KEY TERMS

Question 1

Define ‘operant conditioning’ (Quote Example)

Answer 1

Positive or negative reinforcement given to a child can influence the way in which a child talks in the future.
3 yrs a child may fail to pronounce a noun – “Pas-getty!” Parent uses reinforcement to influence the child to say the proper noun in the future. “What did you say? What do you want? Do you want Spaghetti?”
“Spaghetti!”
Child is able to say the proper noun, but now the parent shifts towards getting the child to speak with politeness. Same techniques.
4 or 5 – “Spaghetti!”
“What’s the magic word?”
“Please may I have some Spaghetti?”

Question 2

Define ‘positive reinforcement’

Answer 2

The positive feedback given to a child which is thought to encourage similar performance again.

Question 3

Give examples of positive reinforcement

Answer 3

Attention and praise.

Question 4

Define ‘negative reinforcement’

Answer 4

The lack of feedback, correction or negative feedback that might prevent a child from making the same error repeatedly.

Question 5

Give examples of negative reinforcement.

Answer 5

Negative politeness and negation.