Operant conditioning

Classical Conditioning

  • Definition
    • Based on the connection between two events
    • Learning to make a connection that leads to a certain action

Operant Conditioning

  • Definition
    • Differentiation from classical conditioning
    • Based on consequences of behaviors, rather than associations
    • Involves actions taken to gain rewards or avoid punishments

Key Figure: B.F. Skinner

  • Coined the term "operant conditioning"
  • Built upon the earlier work of E.L. Thorndike
  • Engaged in extensive experimentation
  • Notable for using animals in his studies, particularly rats and pigeons
    • Conducted experiments using the "Skinner box" or "operant chamber"

Skinner Box / Operant Chamber

  • Device used for training animals in operant conditioning
  • Animals learned to perform tasks to receive food
  • Example: Teaching a dog to sit and rewarding it with treats

Reinforcement Concepts

  • Positive Reinforcement
    • Definition: Adding something pleasant to increase desired behavior
    • Example: Incentivizing a child to get good grades with money or treats
  • Negative Reinforcement
    • Definition: Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase desired behavior
    • Example: Promising a child they won’t have chores if they get good grades
    • Clarification: It is not punishment; it’s about strengthening behavior through alleviation of discomfort

Active Reinforcement Scenarios

  • Wearing a seatbelt to stop the annoying buzzer
  • Getting a kiss for completing household chores
  • Faking illness to avoid a class
  • Taking aspirin to relieve a headache
  • Studying for a test to avoid a bad grade

Schedules of Reinforcement

  • Four Types (These may be abbreviated in assessments)
    1. Fixed Ratio
    • Definition: Reinforcement after a set amount of responses
    • Example: Earning payment after every ten shirts made in a factory
    • Behavior tends to be faster as reinforcement is predictable
    1. Fixed Interval
    • Definition: Reinforcement after a specific amount of time has passed
    • Example: Receiving a paycheck biweekly
    • Prompts behavior based on time intervals
    1. Variable Ratio
    • Definition: Reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses
    • Example: Slot machines paying out at random intervals
    • This schedule is highly addictive due to unpredictability
    1. Variable Interval
    • Definition: Reinforcement after an unpredictable amount of time
    • Example: Waiting for a cab or pop quizzes in class
    • Encouraged behavior through uncertainty

Operant Conditioning Scenarios

  • Engaging with media/video clips to illustrate concepts
  • Use of pop culture, eg. "Big Bang Theory" to show reinforcement through social interaction

Punishment Types

  • Positive Punishment
    • Definition: Adding an unpleasant consequence to decrease an undesired behavior
    • Examples: Getting detention or speeding tickets
  • Negative Punishment
    • Definition: Removing something liked to decrease undesired behavior
    • Examples: Losing privileges or favorite toys after misbehavior

The Primack Principle

  • Importance of selecting effective reinforcers and punishments
  • A reinforcer must be desirable to be effective
    • Example: Taking away a toy that nobody cares about fails to enact punishment

Types of Operant Conditioning Techniques

  • Token Economy
    • Behavior modification method using tokens or rewards for good behavior
    • Students can earn check marks for appropriate behavior and trade them for rewards
    • Example: Treasure box for kindergarteners where tokens lead to fun items
  • Shaping
    • Gradually teaching skills by rewarding closer approximations to the target behavior
    • Example: Reinforcing a child every step towards writing their full name

Observational Learning

  • Definition
    • Learning by observing others and imitating behaviors
    • Emphasis on visual learning as a dominant sense
  • Example: Tying shoes from verbal instructions vs. watching someone do it
    • Watching instructional videos enhances practical skills
  • Mirror Neurons
    • Brain cells that activate during the observation of an action or emotion
    • Strengthen neural connections that facilitate motor skills and emotional responses
    • Playing a role in empathy and emotional mirroring within social interactions