Operant Conditioning and Behavior Modification

Practice vocabulary flashcards covering classical versus operant conditioning, reinforcement and punishment types, schedules of reinforcement, and behavioral shaping techniques.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process in which a voluntary behavior occurs first and is then followed by a consequence (reinforcement or punishment) that strengthens or weakens the behavior.

Classical Conditioning

A learning foundation associated with theorists like Pavlov and Watson where stimuli are presented first to elicit an involuntary response that the individual does not control.

Reinforcement

A consequence given after a voluntary behavior that strengthens and increases the likelihood that the behavior will recur.

Punishment

A consequence given after a voluntary behavior that aims to weaken, reduce, or stop that behavior from happening again.

B. F. Skinner

A prominent behaviorist theorist who argued that psychology should center on studying and measuring behavior, and who developed the operant chamber to shape behaviors.

Law of Effect

Edward Thorndike's principle stating that any behavior that is rewarded tends to recur.

Operant Chamber (Skinner Box)

An experimental apparatus designed by B. F. Skinner where an animal must engage in an unnatural target behavior, such as pressing a bar or lever, to receive food or escape.

Successive Approximation

The method used in shaping where a large, daunting target behavior is broken down into smaller, manageable, and meaningful steps toward a goal.

Positive Reinforcement

Strengthening a voluntary behavior by adding or presenting a desirable stimulus (such as praise, grades, or chocolate) after the behavior occurs.

Negative Reinforcement

Strengthening a voluntary behavior by removing or taking away an unpleasant stimulus (such as a headache via Advil or an annoying seatbelt chime).

Primary Reinforcer

An unlearned, innately reinforcing stimulus that satisfies biological needs necessary to sustain life, such as food or water.

Secondary Reinforcer

A conditioned reinforcer that has no innate tangible value on its own but derives value from its association with primary reinforcers, such as money.

Continuous Reinforcement

A reinforcement schedule where the desired response is reinforced every single time it occurs, making the behavior more prone to extinction if rewards cease.

Partial (Intermittent) Reinforcement Schedule

A reinforcement schedule where a response is reinforced only part of the time, resulting in greater resistance to extinction.

Extinction

The cessation or disappearance of a conditioned behavior when reinforcement is discontinued.

Fixed Ratio Schedule

A schedule that delivers reinforcement only after a specified, set number of responses have occurred (such as a buy-five-get-one-free punch card).

Variable Ratio Schedule

A schedule that delivers reinforcement after an unpredictable, varying number of responses (such as playing a slot machine).

Fixed Interval Schedule

A schedule where reinforcement becomes available only after a specified, set amount of time has elapsed (such as Tuesday discount prices).

Variable Interval Schedule

A schedule where reinforcement is delivered after unpredictable, varying amounts of time have passed (such as waiting for an email reply or text message).

Positive Punishment

Decreasing the likelihood of a behavior by adding or administering an unpleasant or aversive stimulus (such as issuing a traffic ticket or spraying water).

Negative Punishment

Decreasing the likelihood of a behavior by removing or withdrawing a desirable stimulus or privilege (such as taking away phone or car privileges).