Key Operant Conditioning Concepts to Know for AP Psychology (AP)

Positive Reinforcement

It involves adding a desirable stimulus immediately following a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future.

Negative Reinforcement

It involves the removal of an unpleasant or aversive stimulus to increase a behavior.

Positive Punishment

It introduces an aversive stimulus following an undesired behavior to decrease the likelihood of that behavior happening again.

Negative Punishment

It involves taking away a desirable stimulus following an undesired behavior to reduce that behavior.

Extinction

occurs when a previously reinforced behavior is no longer followed by reinforcement, leading to a gradual decrease in that behavior.

Shaping

is a technique where successive approximations of a desired behavior are reinforced until the final behavior is achieved.

Schedules of Reinforcement

These schedules define the timing and frequency of reinforcement, which influences the rate and persistence of behaviors.

Fixed-Ratio

Reinforcement occurs after a set number of responses (e.g., every 5 correct answers). This schedule leads to high response rates.

Variable-Ratio

 Reinforcement happens after a random number of responses, leading to highly persistent behaviors (e.g., gambling).

Fixed-Interval

 Reinforcement is provided after a specific amount of time has passed (e.g., a weekly paycheck).

Variable-Interval

Reinforcement occurs at random time intervals, resulting in steady response rates.

Discriminative Stimuli

is a cue or signal indicating that a certain behavior will be reinforced.

Primary Reinforcers

These are naturally reinforcing and satisfy basic needs, like food, water, and warmth.

Secondary Reinforcers

These are learned through association with primary reinforcers, such as money, praise, or awards.

Law of Effect

 Proposed by Edward Thorndike, this principle states that behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are more likely to be repeated, while those followed by unpleasant outcomes are less likely.

Operant Chamber (Skinner Box)

Developed by B.F. Skinner, this is a controlled environment with mechanisms (e.g., a lever or button) that animals can manipulate to receive reinforcement or avoid punishment.

B.F. Skinner’s Contributions

Skinner developed operant conditioning, emphasizing reinforcement’s role in shaping behavior.

Burrhus Frederic Skinner

He studied schedules of reinforcement and developed behavior modification techniques.

Behavior Modification

applies operant conditioning principles to change behavior by reinforcing desired actions and punishing or ignoring undesired ones.

Token Economy

individuals earn tokens for desired behaviors that can be exchanged for rewards.

Premack Principle

This principle states that a more preferred activity can reinforce a less preferred one.