Operant conditioning Flashcards
Operant conditioning
A type of learning by which the likelihood of a particular behaviour occurring is determined by the consequences of that behaviour
When is behaviour strengthened?
when the consequence is desirable (reinforcement)
When is behaviour weakened?
When consequence is undesirable (punishment)
3 phase model of operant conditioning
Antecedent, behaviour, consequence
Antecedent
Why is the learner doing the behaviour
Behaviour
What is the learner doing
Consequence
What happens because they are doing the behaviour
Identify the 3 phase model: I am cold. I put on a jumper and feel warm
A = feeling cold B = put on a jumper C = feel warm
Reinforcement
when any stimulus strengthens of increases the likelihood of the behaviour that it follows
Types of reinforcement
Positive and negative reinforcement
Positive reinforcement
A stimulus that strengthens a response by providing a pleasant or satisfying consequence after the desired response has been made - ADDS SOMETHING GOOD
Example: money, grade, applause
Negative reinforcement
a stimulus that strengthens a response by the reduction, removal or prevention of an unpleasant stimulus - UNPLEASANT CONSEQUENCE IS REMOVED
Example: taking panadol for headache
Factors effecting reinforcement
Order of presentation, timing, appropriateness of the reinforcer
Punishment
the delivery of an unpleasant consequence following a response, or removal of a pleasant consequence following a response - WEAKENS BEHAVIOUR
Types of punishments
Positive punishment and response cost
Positive punishment
The presentation of a stimulus, thereby decreasing the likelihood of a response occurring again - UNPLEASANT EVENT IS APPLIED
Example: siblings have a food fight at the dinner table –> they have to do the family dishes for a week
Response cost
Removal of any valued stimulus, whether or not it causes the behaviour - TAKES AWAY SOMETHING GOOD
Example: speeding fine which takes away your money, jail term which takes away freedom
Factors effecting punishment
Order of presentation, timing and appropriateness of the punisher
Stimulus generalisation
Occurs when the correct response is made to another antecedent condition which is similar to the antecedent condition for which reinforcement is obtained
Stimulus discrimination
When an organism makes a response to an antecedent condition for which reinforcement is obtained, but not for any other antecedent condition
Extinction
The gradual decrease in the strength of rate of responding after a period of non-reinforcement
Spontaneous recovery
After extinction, the response is again shown in the absence of reinforcement. Response is weaker after lengthy period following extinction
