Skinner's Theory Flashcards
What did Skinner believe?
Skinner believed that all learning could be shaped by controlling the environment.
He developed the theory of operant conditioning.
What is operant conditioning?
It is learning through the consequences of behaviour.
Behaviour that is reinforced (positively or negatively) is likely to be repeated.
Behaviour that is punished is less likely to be repeated.
What is primary reinforcement?
It is when pleasant consequences follow a behaviour.
It is more likely to be repeated.
E.G toys, sweets, smiling, saying ‘well done’
What is negative reinforcement?
It is when unpleasant consequences are removed if a child shows a certain behaviour.
This certain behaviour is repeated.
E.G a child tidies up after themselves to avoid being shouted at by the teacher
What is punishment?
It is when unpleasant consequences follow a behaviour.
It is less likely to be repeated.
E.G time out, naughty step, taking away
toys, telling them off
What are the 2 types of reinforcers?
Primary reinforcer
Secondary reinforcer
What is a primary reinforcer?
It is when things don’t need to be learned.
They are naturally reinforcing.
E.G food, toys, water
What is a secondary reinforcer?
It is when things need to be learned.
They don’t occur naturally.
E.G star charts, money.
