PSYCH 1101: Operant Conditioning Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering basic principles of operant conditioning, Thorndike's Law of Effect, and the matrix of reinforcement and punishment.

B.F. Skinner (1904-1990)

The psychologist who came up with operant conditioning.

Operant Conditioning

A form of learning in which behavior is impacted due to its consequences.

Thorndike's Law of Effect

A learning principle stating that if a behavior is followed by a "satisfying effect", the behavior is more likely to be repeated, whereas if it is followed by a "discomforting effect", it is less likely to be repeated.

Reinforcement

A procedure or consequence used when a behavior is trying to increase or be strengthened.

Punishment

A procedure or consequence used when a behavior is trying to decrease or be weakened.

Positive (in operant conditioning)

The addition of something following a behavior.

Negative (in operant conditioning)

The removal or taking away of something following a behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding something to strengthen or increase a behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Taking something away to strengthen or increase a behavior.

Positive Punishment

Adding something to weaken or decrease a behavior.

Negative Punishment

Taking something away to weaken or decrease a behavior.

Operant Conditioning Grid

A diagram mapping whether a behavior is trying to increase (reinforcement) or decrease (punishment) against whether a stimulus is added (positive) or taken away (negative).