Operant Conditioning

Question 1

What is Operant Conditioning?

Answer 1

1. Learning through consequences
2. The type of consequence determines whether or not we repeat the behaviour

Question 2

What is Positive Reinforcement?

Answer 2

1. A positive consequence for a desired behaviour

Question 3

What is a Negative Reinforcement?

Answer 3

1. Removal of a negative consequence for producing a desired behaviour

Question 4

What is a punishment?

Answer 4

1. A negative consequence for producing an undesired behaviour

Question 5

What is Extrinsic Motivation?

Answer 5

1. Being motivated to do something by external forces (e.g you will gain something from it)

Question 6

What is intrinsic motivation?

Answer 6

1. Being motivated to do something because of an internal force

Question 7

What are practical applications for operant conditioning?

Answer 7

1. We use it in schools, prisons, hospitals etc.
2. Token economy- give a token, take a prize
3. Shows operant conditioning has real world use

Question 8

What is the research support for operant conditioning?

Answer 8

1. Skinner’s study (rats and pigeons)
2. Research shows that operant conditioning works in humans
3. Shows operant conditioning is crucial to learning process

Question 9

What’s a consequence of operant conditioning?

Answer 9

1. It is reductionist
2. Simple explanations for complex behaviours