Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning

Learning through consequences

Skinner

Suggested operant conditioning. Conducted his research by using rats, placed a rat in the Skinner box

What are the three types of reinforcement?

Positive, negative and punishment

Reinforcer

A consequence of behaviour that increases the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated

Positive reinforcement

Receiving a reward when a certain behaviour is performed. Increases the likelihood behaviour will be repeated

Negative reinforcement

Avoiding an unpleasant consequence when a behaviour is performed. Increases the likelihood that behaviour would be repeated

Punishment

An unpleasant consequence of behaviour. Decreases the likelihood of being repeated

How operant conditioning worked for Skinner’s research

Rat performs an action (presses the lever) and receives a reward (food) which relieves hunger. The reward reinforces the action, so the rat repeats it

Positive reinforcement for the rat

Rat presses the lever by accident and receives a food pellet

Negative reinforcement for the rat

Rat presses the lever and stops the electric shock

Punishment for the rat

Rat presses the lever and receives an electric shock