Operant Conditioning

Operant Conditioning

A type of learning in which behavior is strengthened or weakened by consequences, such as reinforcement or punishment.

The Law of Effect

Behaviors followed by favorable outcomes are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors followed by unfavorable outcomes are less likely to be repeated.

Reinforcement

Any consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again in the future.

Primary Reinforcers

Things we naturally like, such as food or water.

Secondary Reinforcers

Things we learn to like because they're connected to primary reinforcers or other things we like.

Reinforcement Discrimination

The ability to distinguish between different stimuli and respond appropriately based on the presence or absence of reinforcement.

Reinforcement Generalization

The tendency to respond similarly to different stimuli that are associated with the same reinforcement.

Positive Reinforcement

Presenting a desirable stimulus after a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior happening again in the future.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an aversive stimulus after a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior happening again in the future.

Punishment

Any consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again in the future.

Positive Punishment

Adding an aversive stimulus after a behavior to decrease the likelihood of that behavior happening again in the future.

Negative Punishment

Removing a desirable stimulus after a behavior to decrease the likelihood of that behavior happening again in the future.

Shaping

Gradually reinforcing behaviors that are closer and closer to the desired behavior, leading to the development of a complex behavior or skill.

Instinctive Drift

Animals may go back to their natural instincts instead of learning new behaviors through training (operant conditioning).

Superstitious Behavior

Accidental reinforcement of behaviors, leading to the belief that those behaviors are causing desired outcomes, even when they are not.

Reinforcement Schedules

Patterns determining when and how often reinforcement is given for a behavior, influencing the rate and persistence of that behavior.

Continuous Reinforcement

Reinforcing a behavior every time it occurs.

Partial Reinforcement

Reinforcing a behavior only some of the time it occurs, leading to slower extinction but also less consistent responding.

Fixed Interval “FI”

Reinforcement is delivered after a fixed amount of time has passed since the last reinforcement, leading to a predictable pattern of behavior.

Variable Interval “VI”

Reinforcement is delivered after varying amounts of time have passed since the last reinforcement, leading to a steady but moderate rate of responding.

Fixed Ratio “FR”

Reinforcement is delivered after a fixed number of responses, leading to a high rate of responding with short pauses after each reinforcement.

Variable Ratio “VR”

Reinforcement is delivered after an unpredictable number of responses, leading to a high and steady rate of responding with minimal pauses.