Psychology of LearningEXP4404

Chapter 8: Operant Applications and Interpretations

Dr. Steve

Topics Covered

Zoo Life (Animal Husbandry) Education Sports Self-Injurious Behavior Self-Control Delusions Awareness Helplessness Excessive Gambling Superstition Problem Solving/Creativity Verbal Behavior Other Applications?

Operant Applications: Zoo Life

Animal Husbandry

Operant Applications: Education

Reinforcement (praise) of good behaviors and extinction (ignoring) of disruptive behaviors to control the classroom.

Other related education activities

Operant Applications: Self-Injurious Behaviors

Treating Autism Lovaas

Hughes, Tarpley, & Stephen

Carr & McDowell

Operant Applications: Self-Control

Approaches

Dieting

Operant Applications: Self-Control

Homework Assignment (pgs 40-42 workbook)1. Operationally define a behavior you would like to

change 2. Decide on a technique and explain why you chose it.3. Organize materials needed.4. Gather data.5. Report data and graph it.

Operant Applications: Delusions

Delusions

Layng & Andronis

Operant Applications: Awareness

Self-Awareness – observing one’s own behavior.

Boyle & Greer

Operant Applications: Learned Helplessness

Learned Helplessness (Seligman)

Immunization Training

Learned Industriousness

Operant Applications: Treating Gambling Habits

Gambling habits maintained on intermittent schedules of reinforcement

Operant Applications: Superstition

Superstitious Behavior –

Skinner

Operant Applications: Insightful Problem Solving

How do new solutions arise if they have never been reinforced?

Operant Applications: Creativity

Creativity

Pryor

Chambers

Operant Applications: Verbal Behavior

Skinner

Language in babies

Operant Applications: Other?

Weapon Systems

Service Animals