Skinner Flashcards
What theory does Skinner preach about and why type of theory is it?
Skinner talks about operant conditioning as a method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishment for behavior. It is a nurture theory.
How does operant conditioning work?
- Rewards are introduced to increase a behavior
- Punishment introduces to decrease a behaviour.
What is positive reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement is giving something to the subject when the complete the desired action so they can link the action with the reward so they can do it more often.
What is an example of positive reinforcement?
A child puts up their hand and the teacher rewards them by praising them, doing this increases the chances that the child and other children put up their hands more often.
What is negative reinforcement?
Negative reinforcement results in the behaviour of taking something unpleasant away.
What is an example of negative reinforcement?
Complaining parents, the child cleans the room so there is no more complaining. Children keep the room clean in the future
Can positive reinforcement promote language or help it to develop?
Yes specifically shown in babies as they are rewarded or reinforced in some way.
What is primary reinforcement and give an example.
Primary reinforcement involves a reward that fulfills a biological need. For example, giving a child ice - cream if they do well on a test.
What is secondary reinforcement and give an example?
Secondary reinforcers are learned and work via association with primary reinforces. Most human reinforces in human behaviour are secondary. Examples of these include money, good grades, tokens, and praise.
What is a criticism of Skinner’s theory?
If Skinner’s theory was correct, then you would expect to see many children’s language differently developed as not all children receive the same amount of rewards and reinforcement so they all would have language differences which isn’t true.
