Operant Conditioning

Question 1

Operant Conditioning

Answer 1

Operant Conditioning by B.F. Skinner is a behavioral theory that explores how learning occurs through the consequences of actions. It emphasizes reinforcement (reward) and punishment to shape and modify behavior, demonstrating the impact of consequences on future actions.

Question 2

Reinforcement

Answer 2

Outcomes that increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated

Question 3

Positive Reinforcement

Answer 3

Adding a rewarding stimulus to encourage a behavior (e.g., giving a treat to a dog for obeying a command).

Question 4

Negative Reinforcement

Answer 4

Removing an aversive stimulus to encourage a behavior (e.g., fastening a seatbelt to stop a car’s annoying beep).

Question 5

Punishment

Answer 5

Outcomes that decrease the likelihood of a behavior being repeated

Question 6

Positive Punishment

Answer 6

Adding an aversive stimulus to discourage a behavior (e.g., scolding a child for misbehaving).

Question 7

Negative Punishment

Answer 7

Removing a rewarding stimulus to discourage a behavior (e.g., taking away a teenager’s phone for breaking rules).

Question 8

Key Components of Operant Conditioning

Answer 8

Reinforcement
Punishment
Extinction

Question 9

Schedules of Reinforcement

Answer 9

Continuous Reinforcement: Rewarding a behavior every time it occurs (quick learning but quick extinction).

Partial Reinforcement: Rewarding a behavior intermittently (slower learning but more resistance to extinction).

Question 10

What are the Operant Conditioning Principles

Answer 10

Schedules of Reinforcement: Different ways to administer reinforcement:

Continuous Reinforcement: Different ways to administer reinforcement

Discrimination: Learning to respond to specific cues or situations (e.g., a dog sitting only when given a certain command).

Generalization: Applying a learned behavior to similar situations (e.g., a child using polite language with different adults).