Operant Conditioning - B.F. Skinner

Question 1

Operant conditioning

Answer 1

Involves learning through consequence, e.g. Getting rewards for good work

Question 2

The Skinner box

Answer 2

By having the rat press the lever mech, a food pellet is released. It is only released after this so it shows it is not following any other behaviour. Rat learns as the frequency of pressing ⬆️, this is called positive reinforcement

Question 3

Main features - Positive reinforcement

Answer 3

Desired behaviour rewarded hence likely to be repeated with hope again. E.g. Child tidies room for extra pocket money

Question 4

Main features - Negative reinforcement

Answer 4

Something unpleasant taken away for showing desired behaviour. Behaviour is repeated to remove unpleasant stimulus. E.g. If child tidies room they are no longer grounded

Question 5

Types of reinforcer - Primary reinforcers

Answer 5

Satisfies basic survival needs. E.g. Food. Meets biological requirements. Can be given as rewards for desired behaviour

Question 6

Main features - punishment

Answer 6

Something pleasant is taken away for showing undesired behaviour. Hence less likely to be repeated. E.g. Boy bits sister so is not allowed to stay up late

Question 6

Types of reinforcer - secondary

Answer 6

Use to exchange for a reward. E.g. Tokens for a specific item, like you receive money

Question 7

Behaviour shaping

Answer 7

Desired behaviours are rewarded in stages until achieved. Used to achieve more complex behaviours in stages. E.g. A squirrel completing an assault course