Operant Conditioning

Thorndike Law of Effect

Behaviors with favorable consequences will occur more frequently, while behaviors with unfavorable consequences will occur less frequently.

Operant Conditioning

Learning process by which the consequence of an operant response affects the likelihood that the response will occur in the future.

Thorndike's Puzzle Boxes

An experimental apparatus designed by Thorndike to study animal learning through trial and error.

Instrumental Responses

Actions which function as tools to bring about a change in the environment; also known as operant responses.

Skinner Box

A controlled environment developed by B.F. Skinner to study operant conditioning in animals.

Positive Reinforcement

Presentation of something pleasant to increase the likelihood of a behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removal of something unpleasant to increase the likelihood of a behavior.

Primary Reinforcer

A reinforcer that is innately satisfying and does not require learning.

Secondary Reinforcer

A reinforcer that acquires its value through experience and learning.

Positive Punishment

Presentation of something unpleasant to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.

Negative Punishment

Removal of something pleasant to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.

Discrimination

The ability to distinguish between different stimuli and respond appropriately.

Extinction

The gradual weakening of a behavior when it is no longer reinforced.

Generalization

The tendency for a behavior learned in one situation to occur in similar situations.

Continuous Reinforcement

Reinforcement that occurs every time a behavior is performed.

Partial Reinforcement

Reinforcement that occurs only some of the time after a behavior is performed.

Fixed Ratio Schedule

A reinforcement schedule where a behavior is rewarded after a set number of responses.

Variable Ratio Schedule

A reinforcement schedule where a behavior is rewarded after an unpredictable number of responses.

Fixed Interval Schedule

A reinforcement schedule where a behavior is rewarded after a fixed period of time.

Variable Interval Schedule

A reinforcement schedule where a behavior is rewarded after varying amounts of time.

Applied Behavior Analysis

A method of behavior modification using principles of operant conditioning.

Shaping

A reinforcement strategy that rewards successive approximations of a desired behavior.

Trial and Error Learning

A learning process characterized by repeated attempts and learning from mistakes.

Immediate vs Delayed Reinforcement

Waiting for delayed, but more highly valued reinforcer.

Immediate vs Delayed Punishment

Immediate more effective, but delayed can have effect.

Immediate Reinforcement vs Delayed Punishment

Immediate consequences usually win.