Learning approach KC2: Operant conditioning

Question 1

what is the definition of operant conditioning

Answer 1

learning via consequences

Question 2

consequences

Answer 2

decides whether you would repeat a behaviour

Question 3

positive reinforcement

Answer 3

involves receiving something pleasant for doing a certain behaviour

Question 4

negative reinforcement

Answer 4

involves avoiding something unpleasant for doing a certain behaviour

Question 5

punishment

Answer 5

a consequence of behaviour that reduces the likelyhood of the behaviour being repeated. the behaviour is less likely to be repeated.

Question 6

Skinner

Answer 6

research method (rat in skinner box)

Question 7

name 2 strengths of operant conditioning

Answer 7

1. there is research to support operant conditioning

Skinner found that rats learnt how to do various tasks, such as pressing a lever, after this desired behaviour was positively reinforced with food. this suggests that some behaviours in animals are learnt via operant conditioning and so adds validity to the theory.

2. has practical application so is useful

reward programs are used in prisons to change prisoners behaviour from negative to positive. if a prisoner performs a desired behaviour, they get more phone calls home, more time out of their cell etc. they are more likely to repeat the desired behaviour because it has been positively reinforced. successful application adds validity to the theory.

Question 8

name 1 limitation of operant conditioning

Answer 8

1. Incomplete explanation of behaviour

it can explain complex behaviours such as how a phobia is maintained over time via negative reinforcement , but it can’t explain more complex behaviours such as depression or schizo phremia. this suggests that other factors must be involved, such as biological factors which behaviourism does not consider.

Question 9

Skinner- case study

Answer 9

Aim-
to investigate the effects of operant conditioning on rats and pigeons.

Procedure-
skinner showed how positive reinforcement worked by placing a hungry rat in the skinner box. the box contained a lever on the side and as the rat moved about the box, it would accidently knock the lever. when this happened, a pellet of food would be released the rats quickly learnt to go straight to the lever after a few times of being put in the box. the consequence of receiving food (positive reinforcement) after pressing the lever ensured that they repeated the behaviour again and again.

Findings-
the rats repeated the behaviour because it resulted in a reward (positive reinforcement).

Conclusion-
behaviour is a result of consequences.