Operant Conditioning

Operant Conditioning

Learning where voluntary behaviours are influenced by consequences

Law of Effect

Humans naturally more likely to repeat behaviours that are rewarded
Humans naturally less likely to repeat behaviours that are punished

Reinforcement

Consequence that increases likelihood of behaviour

Punishment

Consequence that decreases likelihood of behaviour

Positive

Addition of stimulus

Negative

Removal of stimulus

Positive Reinforcement

Add desirable stimulus

Praise + reward

Negative Reinforcement

Remove undesirable stimulus

Positive Punishment

Add undesirable stimulus

Negative Punishment

Remove desirable stimulus

Positive Reinforcement Examples

Animal training - treats + praise

Education - lollies + praise

Work - bonus

Negative Reinforcement Examples

Education - no homework

Sunscreen - no sunburn

Home - no chores

Positive Punishment Examples

Education - telling off

Home - chores

Negative Punishment Examples

Education - no free time

Home - no games/phone, grounding

Antecedent

Stimuli & events that precede behaviour

Behaviour

Observable response resulting from antecedent

Consequence

Outcomes of behaviour

Shaping

Process of reinforcing series of behaviours that increasingly resemble desired behaviour

Fixed Ratio

Receive reinforcement after specific number of responses