Operant conditioning is a learning theory developed by B. F. Skinner, which posits that behavior is influenced by its consequences. This process involves reinforcements and punishments that can either increase or decrease the likelihood of a behavior recurring. The text delves into the types of operant conditioning, schedules of reinforcement, and their practical applications in education, animal training, and behavioral therapy.
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Operant conditioning is a fundamental learning process that shapes behavior through the use of consequences
Discriminative Stimulus
The discriminative stimulus signals the opportunity for a response in the three-term contingency model
Operant Response
The operant response is the behavior performed by the organism in the three-term contingency model
Consequence
The consequence, which can be a reinforcer or punisher, follows the behavior in the three-term contingency model
Operant conditioning encompasses four primary types: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by a desirable stimulus, increasing the likelihood of that behavior
Negative Reinforcement
Negative reinforcement involves the removal of an aversive stimulus to strengthen a behavior
Positive Punishment
Positive punishment introduces an unpleasant outcome to reduce the frequency of a behavior
Negative Punishment
Negative punishment removes a favorable stimulus to decrease a behavior's occurrence
Continuous reinforcement rewards every instance of a desired behavior and is effective for establishing new behaviors
Fixed-Ratio Schedule
A fixed-ratio schedule provides reinforcement after a certain number of responses and is crucial for maintaining behaviors over time
Fixed-Interval Schedule
A fixed-interval schedule provides reinforcement after a certain amount of time and is crucial for maintaining behaviors over time
Variable-Ratio Schedule
A variable-ratio schedule provides reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses and is crucial for maintaining behaviors over time
Variable-Interval Schedule
A variable-interval schedule provides reinforcement after an unpredictable amount of time and is crucial for maintaining behaviors over time
Operant conditioning is used in animal training to shape behaviors incrementally and reward closer approximations to the desired behavior
Token economies, where tokens acting as secondary reinforcers are exchanged for primary reinforcers, are used in educational settings
Operant conditioning techniques are used in behavioral therapy to alter maladaptive behaviors and contribute to the treatment of psychological disorders
00
______ conditioning is a key learning process that influences behavior by applying ______.
Operant
consequences
01
The theory by psychologist ______ posits that behaviors are more frequent with ______ and less so with punishments.
B. F. Skinner
rewards
02
Discriminative Stimulus Role
Signals opportunity for response; indicates when behavior might be reinforced.
