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.