Operant Conditioning

Operant Conditioning

Learning that occurs by modifying behavior using consequences through reward and punishments.

Behaviorist

Order of model

Antecedent

Behavior

Consequence

Antecedent

A stimulus that occurs before the behavior that is cue that tells the organism when to perform a particular action.

Behavior

A behavior that occurs due to the antecedent, this is the action of the organism.

Consequence

Outcome of the behavior.

Determines whether the behavior is more or less likely to be repeated in the future.

Positive Reinforcement

A desirable outcome that is presented after the display of a behavior.

Behavior is strengthened by adding something such as praise or direct reward.

Negative Reinforcement

Reducing or removing an unfavorable outcome after the display of behavior.

Behavior is strengthened by removing something considered unpleasant.

Positive Punishment

Adding something unpleasant to eliminate the unwanted behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Something pleasant is removed when behaving in an undesirable way.