Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning

a three-phase learning process that involves an antecedent, behaviour and consequence, whereby the consequence of a behaviour determines the likelihood that it will reoccur

Antecedent

the stimulus or event that precedes and often elicits a particular behaviour

Behaviour

the voluntary actions that occur in the presence of the antecedent

consequence

the outcome of the behaviour, which determines the likelihood that it will occur again

reinforcement

a consequence that increases the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring

positive reinforcement

increasing the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring by delivering a pleasant stimulus

negative reinforcement

increasing the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring by removing an unpleasant stimulus

punishment

a consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring

positive punishment

decreasing the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring by delivering an unpleasant stimulus

negative punishment

decreasing the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring by removing a pleasant stimulus

factors that influence the effectiveness of reinforcement (3)

• order of presentation (ABC)

• timing of reinforcer (immediate)

• appropriateness of reinforcement

• appropriateness of reinforcement