Operant Conditioning

Reinforcement– when a stimulus or event occurs that strengthens or

increases the probability of a response reoccurring• positive (+) reinforcement: the following of a behavior

with a pleasant consequence• negative (-) a behavior: brings about the removal of an

unpleasant or aversive consequence

Principles of Reinforcement

Reinforcers Primary Reinforcer

innately reinforcing stimulus i.e., satisfies a biological need

Secondary (Conditioned) Reinforcer usually learned i.e., praise, rewards, money, gains its reinforcing power through its association with primary reinforcer

Principles of Reinforcement

Continuous Reinforcement reinforcing the desired response each time it occurs must initially occur for a behavior to be acquired quickly

Partial (Intermittent) Reinforcement reinforcing a response only part of the time results in slower acquisition but greater resistance to extinction must occur for a behavior to be continued

Operant Conditioning

Punishment an aversive event that decreases the behavior that it

follows positive punishment: when a behavior is

followed by an aversive or negative consequence negative punishment: when a behavior is

followed by the removal of a desirable stimulus

Operant Conditioning

Punishers– Primary Punisher

• usually innate and biological in nature• i.e., heat, cold, hunger, physical discomfort

– Secondary Punisher• usually learned• i.e. criticism, shame, scolding, demerits, etc.• gains influence when associated with primary punisher

Punishment

For punishment to be effective:– must be consistent

– should not be done in anger or involve abuse

– should include info about what is expected or appropriate behavior

– should be followed with reinforcement of desired behavior

Operant vs Classical Conditioning