Operant conditioning

what is a simple definition of operant conditioning?

• learning using trial and error

• conditioning the most effective response through practice.

what happens if a performer is rewarded?

they are more likely to do it again

what is reinforcement?

• anything that increases the likelihood that a response will occur.

• It is defined by the effect that it has on behaviour – it increases or strengthens the response.

what are behaviourist theories?

• These are theories that explain how our actions are linked to certain stimuli.

• Based on idea that all behaviours are acquired through conditioning.

• Conditioning occurs through interaction with the environment.

• Our responses to environment shape our actions.

is operant conditioning a behaviourist theory? why?

• yes

• it links stimulus to response

who was the main psychologist who conducted the development of operant conditioning?

Skinner

what was the development of operant conditioning?

• Based on 1948 work of behavioural psychologist B.F. Skinner, which is it is sometimes referred to as Skinnerian conditioning.

• Skinner was interested in how consequences of people's actions influenced their behaviour.

• Skinner used the word operant to refer to any 'active behaviour that operates upon the environment to generate consequences'.

• Discovery came from his work observing rats in a 'skinner box'.

• When rats touched a bar food was given and they learnt to press the bar.

define a satisfier

an action that gives a pleasant feeling so that response is likely to be repeated.

define an annoyer

an action that creates disappointment and unease, meaning that the incorrect response is avoided in the future.

what are the 3 issues of operant conditioning?

• Based on trial and error.

• Uses reinforcement.

• Environment can be manipulated to encourage the correct response.

how does operant conditioning work?

• It strengthens the bond between the stimulus and response bond (S-R bond)

• Linking the stimulus to the response using operant conditioning involves positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and punishment.

• These all aid the shaping of behaviour.

what is positive reinforcement and a sporting example?

• Involves an additional, pleasant stimulus after the correct response.

• Sporting example: a coach giving sweets to a tennis player when there serve lands in.

what is negative reinforcement and a sporting example?

• The removal of a negative or unpleasant stimulus after the correct response in order to strengthen a behaviour. 

• Sporting example: taking away negative criticism when a skill is performed correctly, like the coach stopping shouting when instructions at a player when they make a successful cross.

what is punishment and a sporting example?

• Presenting an unpleasant stimulus to weaken behaviour and prevent the incorrect action occurring again.

• Sporting example: a coach makes a player sprint when he makes a bad pass.

what is the difference between negative reinforcement and punishment?

• negative reinforcement is taking away something and punishment is adding something even if it is negative (e.g. a red card)

what is mental practice?

anything that involves practising a skill or technique in the mind, like visualization or imagery.

what are Thorndike’s 3 laws?

• law of exercise

• law of effect

• law of readiness

what is the law of exercise? (and example)

• skills improve through training so you train with more focus.

• e.g. A goal defence repeatedly practises chest passes and shoulder passes in training. Through constant repetition, the correct passing technique becomes automatic, improving accuracy during a match.

what is the law of effect? (and example)

• positive outcome or satisfaction from practice makes you continue.

• e.g. A centre successfully intercepts a pass and receives praise from the coach. This positive reinforcement increases the likelihood that the player will attempt similar interceptions again in future games.

what is the law of readiness? (and example)

• you need to be physically and mentally strong enough to do the skill you are practicing or learning.

• A wing defence who understands defensive positioning and is fully warmed up is ready to learn a new zone defence strategy. As a result, they pick up the tactic quickly and apply it effectively in a game.

advantages of operant conditioning

• Encourages learning through rewards

• Increases motivation and confidence

• Effective for beginners

• Clear feedback shows what is right or wrong

• Helps reduce incorrect behaviour

disadvantages of operant conditioning

• Performer may become dependent on rewards

• Learning may stop if rewards are removed

• Limited understanding and decision-making

• Less effective for open skills

• Punishment can increase anxiety and reduce confidence

• Ignores intervening variables (e.g. emotions)