Operant Conditioning

Operant Conditioning

Learning where behavior is shaped by rewards or punishments; distinguishes between automatic (respondent) and controlled (operant) behaviors.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding something favorable after a behavior to increase it (e.g., praise, rewards).

Negative Reinforcement

Removing something unpleasant after a behavior to increase it (e.g., ending nagging or noise).

Punishment

An event that decreases the behavior it follows.

Positive Punishment

Adding something unpleasant to reduce a behavior (e.g., detention, ticket).

Negative Punishment

Removing something pleasant to reduce a behavior (e.g., taking away phone or privileges).

Continuous Reinforcement

Reinforcing a behavior every time it occurs; quick learning, quick extinction.

Fixed Ratio Schedule

Reinforcement after a set number of responses; steady response rate (e.g., reward every 3 times).

Fixed Interval Schedule

Reinforcement after a set time; responses increase near reinforcement time (e.g., weekly tests).

Variable Ratio Schedule

Reinforcement after varied number of responses; high, steady response rate (e.g., gambling).

Variable Interval Schedule

Reinforcement after varying time intervals; slow but steady responses (e.g., pop quizzes).