Operant Conditioning

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to operant conditioning, including various types of reinforcement and punishment, examples, and theoretical foundations.

What is operant conditioning?

A type of learning where behavior occurs as a result of the consequences of that behavior.

What is positive punishment?

An unpleasant stimulus is added to stop a behavior.

Give an example of positive punishment in behavior modification.

Scolding your dog for biting you.

What is negative reinforcement?

An unpleasant stimulus is taken away to reinforce a behavior.

How can negative reinforcement encourage seatbelt use?

It removes an unpleasant stimulus (e.g., a warning sound) when the seatbelt is fastened.

Explain Thorndike's Law of Effect.

Behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated; those followed by unpleasant consequences are less likely to be repeated.

What is shaping in operant conditioning?

Gradually reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior until the target behavior is achieved.

Describe the difference between fixed and variable reinforcement schedules.

Fixed schedules provide reinforcement after a specific number of responses or time, while variable schedules provide reinforcement at random times.

What is the main idea behind the behavioristic approach in psychology?

Behavior is a result of conditioning, influenced through the interaction with the environment.

How could operant conditioning be applied to change disruptive behavior in class?

By using positive reinforcement for productive behavior or negative punishment like changing seating arrangements.