Operant Conditioning- Skinners Rats Part 1

Question 1

What is operant conditioning? What happens if behaviour is positively reinforced?

Answer 1

Operant conditioning is a form of learning in which behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences. If behaviour is positively reinforced (rewarded) then it is more likely to be repeated.

Question 2

When does negative reinforcement occur and rat example.

Answer 2

Negative reinforcement occurs when a human or animal avoids something unpleasant. A rat may learn through negative reinforcement that pressing a lever leads to avoidance of an electric shock.

Question 3

What is punishment? + Example Essay

Answer 3

Punishment is where there are negative consequences to a behaviour- we may be told off for not handing in an essay- this means we are less likely to repeat a behaviour again.