Operant Conditioning

Question 1

Behaviour

Answer 1

An observable voluntary response that occurs in the presence of the antecedent stimulus. In operant conditioning, this occurs after the antecedent and is also known as the ‘operant response’.

Question 2

Antecedent

Answer 2

The stimulus that precedes a specific behaviour, signals the probable consequence for the behaviour and therefore influences the occurrence of the behaviour.

Question 3

Operant

Answer 3

A response (or set of responses) that occurs and acts on the environment to produce some kind of effect.

Question 4

Consequence

Answer 4

An event that occurs after a behaviour in operant conditioning that affects future behaviour. It can involve either reinforcement or punishment.

Question 5

Operant conditioning

Answer 5

An active learning process in which the likelihood of a particular behaviour occurring is determined by the consequences of that behaviour. Behaviour can be strengthened if the consequences are positive and weakened if the consequences are negative. The learner in operant conditioning is active.

Question 6

Reinforcement

Answer 6

A consequence that strengthens the likelihood that behaviour will be repeated. Positive reinforcement is the application of a reward such as receiving a lolly for good behaviour. Negative reinforcement removing something unpleasant such as escaping a chore for good behaviour.

Question 7

Punishment

Answer 7

A consequence that weakens the likelihood that behaviour will be repeated. Positive punishment is the application of something unpleasant such as hitting a child who has misbehaved. Negative punishment is the removal of something desired such as taking a toy from a child who has misbehaved. Negative reinforcement is also known as response cost.

Question 8

Positive

Answer 8

Provision or application

Question 9

Negative

Answer 9

Removal

Question 10

3 factors that make a consequence effective

Answer 10

Order
Timing
Appropriateness

Question 11

Order

Answer 11

A reinforcement or punishment should always occur after a desired response (and it should be consistent).

Question 12

Timing

Answer 12

The punishment or reinforcement are most effective when given immediately after the response has occurred.

Question 13

Appropriateness

Answer 13

Reinforcement such as a reward must actually be valued. Punishment must be fair and not too severe or it won’t be effectively linked with the behaviour (punisher will be resented instead.)