Operant Conditioning

Operant Conditioning

Fundamentals

  • Operant Conditioning is a type of learning where behaviour is controlled by consequences. Key concepts in operant conditioning are positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment and negative punishment.
  • The term was coined by B.F. Skinner, who is best known for his experimental work with rats and pigeons.

Positive Reinforcement

  • Positive reinforcement involves adding a reinforcing stimulus following a behaviour, making the behaviour more likely to occur in the future.
  • Examples include praise after completing a task, or a treat for a pet after it performs a trick.

Negative Reinforcement

  • Negative reinforcement involves the removal or reduction of an unpleasant stimulus following a specific behaviour.
  • An example would be a parent ceasing nagging when a child cleans their room. The removal of nagging reinforces the cleaning behaviour.

Positive Punishment

  • Positive punishment involves presenting an aversive stimulus after a behaviour, making the behaviour less likely to occur in the future.
  • For instance, if a student disrupts a class, a teacher could give them extra homework.

Negative Punishment

  • Negative punishment involves removing a desirable stimulus following a behaviour to decrease the chances of the action happening again.
  • For example, a teenager might be barred from using the car for a week after coming home past curfew.

Limitations and Criticism

  • Operant conditioning theories may overemphasise the role of the environment in shaping behaviour and overlook biological and cognitive aspects.
  • Critics argue that the theories inadequately explain complex, human behaviours. Not all actions and decisions are simply responses to stimuli or consequences.

Applications

  • Operant conditioning has practical applications in numerous areas like education, parenting, animal training, and even in the treatment of psychological disorders.