Learning: Operant Conditioning Flashcards
Define Operant conditioning
A theory that describes how learning occurs when a behaviour is followed by an event increases or decrease the probability of the behaviour being repeated.
Define reinforcement
Takes place when a behaviour is followed by an event and this increases the probability of the behaviour being repeated.
Define positive reinforcement
Occurs when something nice is introduced to the individual following a behaviour that increases the probability of the action being repeated. (Giving a reward , praise point)
Define negative reinforcement
When something unpleasant is removed from the individual following the behaviour increasing the probability of the behaviour being repeated.
Define punishment
Takes place when an eventful as a behaviour decreasing the probability that the behaviour will be repeated
Define primary reinforcement
Takes place when the thing that acts as a reinforcer has biological significance such as food (primary needs, sex food sleep)
Define secondary reinforcement
Takes place when the thing that acts as a reinforcer has become associated with something of biological significance such as money so you can buy food
Define positive punishment
Occurs when something unpleasant is introduced to the individual such as giving a smack
Define negative punishment
Occurs when something nice is removed from an individual behaviour such as taking away someone’s phone
What was the skinner box in operant conditioning.
The skinner box is the box Skinner carried out his research of animals in it contained a supply of food pellets that could be released as reinforcers when the animal learned to do something for example to operate a lever. Some Chambers also contained electrified floors which could be used to punish behaviour.
Evaluate the supporting evidence of operant conditioning.
Skinners skinner box study
It was scientific as it was a lab experiment and behaviourism is visible so every step is observable which increases the credibility.
Evaluate the opposing evidence of operant conditioning
Generalising from animals to humans is complicated as the human brain structure is more complex.
Evaluate the difference theory for Operant conditioning
Social learning theory
They can be difficult to tell whether one or the other is responsible for example a phobia might be formed through association or because of the consequences.
Evaluate the application of operant conditioning
Systematic desensitisation works by positively reinforcing early behaviours in the direction of the third object than the gradually shake their behaviour so that the patient can handle something they used to have a phobia about.
