Operant Conditioning

Question 1

Define Operant Conditioning

Answer 1

Learning that occurs when a behaviour is followed by an event, and the nature of this event increases or decreases probability of that behaviour repeating.

Question 2

Define Reinforcement

Answer 2

Takes place when a behaviour is followed by an event, increasing/decreasing chances of repeating that behaviour.

Question 3

Define Positive Reinforcement

Answer 3

Something nice is introduced to the individual following a behaviour to increase chance of that behaviour repeating.

Question 4

Define Negative Reinforcement

Answer 4

Something unpleasant is removed to the individual following a behaviour to increase chance of that behaviour repeating.

Question 5

Define Punishment

Answer 5

When an event follows a behaviour, decreasing the probability of the behaviour repeating.

Question 6

Define Primary Reinforcement

Answer 6

Takes place when thing that acts as a reinforcer has bio significance, like food.

Question 7

Define Secondary Reinforcement

Answer 7

Takes place when thing that acts as a reinforcer has become associated with something of bio significance like money to buy food.

Question 8

Define Positive Punishment

Answer 8

Occurs when something unpleasant is introduced to person following a behaviour to decrease chance of behaviour repeating.

Question 9

Define Negative Punishment

Answer 9

Something nice is removed from person following a behaviour to decrease chance of behaviour repeating.

Question 10

Skinner Box

Answer 10

Carried out research on animals using an operant conditioning chamber/skinner box.

Contains supply of food pellets that could be released as reinforcers when animal learned to do something like operate a lever. Some chambers used electrified floors that could punish behaviours.

Using reinforcement and punishment, they could train animals to learn target behaviours.

Question 11

Strength

Answer 11

Supported by many studies on humans and animals.

Skinner and others done many lab experiments demonstrating operant conditioning in animals.

There are consistent findings regarding ability to modify behaviour using reinforcement and punishment.

Modern brain studies revealed brain systems that relate to reinforcement in humans.

Firm evidence supporting existence of OC in humans and animals.

Question 12

Weakness

Answer 12

Can only explain how existing behaviours are strengthened or weakened, not where they originate.

Incomplete explanation of all new behaviour and can’t account for learned behaviour which animal has never performed before.

OC is only a partial explanation of learning behaviour.

Question 13

Application

Answer 13

In education and childcare.

Systems of reinforcement used in schools, nurseries etc. like giving a child a gold star for good work.

Shows that OC is used in real world as well as being a theoretical test.