Learning theories, behaviourist approach - operant conditioning (paper 2) Flashcards
What does operant conditioning state
Learning happens because we are punished or rewarded and this shapes our behaviour
What did Skinner believe about learning
It is an active process whereby humans and animals operate in their environment
What is positive reinforcement
Anything which increases the likelihood of a behaviour being repeated, by using consequences that are pleasant when they happen. (Giving Pleasant experience)
What is Punishment
Anything unpleasant which has the effect of decreasing the likelihood of any behaviour, which is not the desired behaviour. (Giving Unpleasant experience)
What is negative reinforcement
Anything which has the effect of increasing the likelihood of behaviour being repeated by using consequences that are pleasant when they stop. (Taking away unpleasant experience)
What is the first step of Skinners Box study
Placed a hungry rat in his skinners box
What is the second step of Skinners Box study
As the rat moved about the box it would accidentally knock the lever then a food pellet would drop into a container.
What is the third step of Skinners Box study
Rat learned to go straight to lever after a few times of being placed in the box.
Why did the rat learn to press the lever
The consequence of receiving food if they pressed the lever ensured they would repeat the action (positive reinforcement)
Why must reinforcement be unpredictable
People will get bored / reinforcement will lose value. Variable ratio schedule is a better method
