Learning Theories - Operant Conditioning

Question 1

What is operant conditioning ?

Answer 1

• Associationist / connectionist view of learning (trial and error)
• Action being ‘shaped’ then reinforced
• This conditioning only occurs if reinforcement is present

Question 2

What did Skinner in 1964 reveal about operant conditioning ?

Answer 2

More effective through manipulation of behaviour towards stimulus
(rather than modification)

Question 3

What was Skinners example of operant conditioning ?

Answer 3

• Used a box with a rat inside
• If rat hit the lever inside the box a food pellet was released
• Trial and error, rat learned that hitting the lever would produce food (a reward)
• reinforced the hitting action

Question 4

What is complete reinforcement ?

Answer 4

When learning is faster if given a reward on every occasion

Question 5

What is partial conditioning ?

Answer 5

When a reward is given after a number of correct responses, this learning takes longer but lasts longer.

Question 6

Give an example of operant conditioning

Answer 6

When a parent gives a child a sweet to stop crying, the child then cries again to get another sweet.

Question 7

What is the disadvantage of using rewards ?
Give an example

Answer 7

The journey, thrill and interest of sport may be lost in sacrifice of obtaining rewards

Example: a young swimming may be interested in gaining the next badge and loses the thrill of swimming