Operant Conditioning

Operant Conditioning

A method of learning that employs rewards and punishments for behavior

Positive Reinforcement

The introduction of a desirable or pleasant stimulus after a behavior

Negative Reinforcement

Something uncomfortable or otherwise unpleasant is taken away in response to a stimulus

Accuracy

Did the reinforcement deliver the desired response

Duration

How long did the response continue

Frequency

How often did the response occur

Persistence

Did the response occur each and every time

Continuous Reinforcement

Presents the reinforcer after every performance of the desired behavior

Fixed-Interval Schedule

An exact amount of time passes between each reinforcement

Variable-Interval Schedule

A varying amount of time passes between each reinforcement

Fixed-Ratio Schedules

Reinforcement occurs after a fixed number of responses

Variable-Ratio Schedule

Reinforcement occurs after a varying number of responses