Basic Learning Processes Robert C. Kennedy, PhD University of Central Florida

Chapter 9: Operant Applications

“The great end of life is not knowledge, but action.” (Huxley, 1877) Traditional approach – problems emanate from within the individual; assumes something inside must change for behavior to change Largely ineffective approach to behavior problems Natural science approach – can change behavior by changing the person’s environment; leads to action. Often, “simple” operant procedures can provide solutions to complex human problems.

Home Operant principles can be very useful at home Operant learning is essential to normal development Children in orphanages typically fail to develop in a normal way behaviorally due to neglect (environment is largely unresponsive to them) If one’s behavior has little effect on the environment, there is little operant learning

Examples for Operant Training at Home Toilet Training in Less than a Day, by Nate Azrin and Richard Foxx Mechanically Augmented Human Toilet Training, or The Electric Potty Chair by Carl Cheney – describes apparatus he built and used to toilet train his children. – child uses potty, circuit is closed and a clown face on a box lights up.

Examples for Operant Training at Home Meaningful Differences, by Betty Hart and Todd Risley – considered one of most important studies of linguistic and cognitive development – very large longitudinal study – shows profound effect of verbal environment at home – More language, more IQ, etc. – Important, but many critics – See Mabry (1997) for a nice review See Mabry (1997) for a nice review

School Most teachers insist they provide positive consequences for desired behavior more than negative consequences for misconduct. Research shows most teachers provide far more negative consequences than positive (even 5 to 1) Don’t ignore kids when good and criticize when not good!!! Ignore kids when not good and praise when good!!

School Reinforcement in the form of positive feedback and praise for good work leads to effective instructional programs Example: Headsprout program -each lesson focuses on one particular skill; child gets immediate feedback about choice and then is asked similar question; child must answer correctly on five consecutive trials to move through program

Clinic Use of operant learnings in treatment of disorders Punishment for incorrect/improper/appropriate behavior Reinforce correct/proper/appropriate behavior

Self-injurious Behavior deliberate, non-suicidal behavior that inflicts physical harm on one's body to relieve emotional distress (Non- Suicidal Self Injury, NSSI). has a paradoxical effect: pain actually sets off endorphin rush, relieving self-harmer from deep distress. can take many forms: cutting, picking, burning, bruising, puncturing, embedding, scratching or hitting one's self About 4% engage in these behaviors (about 5 in our class)

Clinic Delusions and hallucinations are often result from organic brain disorders However, some learning is likely to occur Patient who believes her “head is falling off” approaches staff who react with annoyance, which reinforces delusion. Patient learns to approach staff without incurring hostile reactions, which leads the delusions to disappear

Clinic Constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) – Used with stroke victims and others – “Paralyzed” limbs: a patient who reports limited use of one of his limbs receives restraint treatment. – The unaffected hand is placed in a splint and that arm is further placed in a sling to render it useless. – Then, the patient repeatedly performs a variety of motor tasks, which leads to dramatic improvement in the “paralyzed” limb – Came from animal research (monkeys)

Work Improve performance of workers through use of simple feedback. Positive feedback is reinforcing and negative feedback is punishing. Example: Managers are using too much overtime. Give praise if overtime goes down, and rebuke if overtime goes up. Leads to reduction of overtime use.

Zoo Providing care to animals’ lives: Treating an aggressive elephant that needs a nail trim by shaping the elephant to give its foot to the trainers

Operant Learning Applications Some other perspectives…

Operant Learning Is it just manipulation? Should we treat humans like lab animals? Are you learning how to manipulate? If so, is that useful?

Classical v. Operant So what’s the difference again?

Class Activity First and Last name on a piece of paper Answer the following question in less than 5 words: – What is one real-world application for Operant Conditioning?

Next Class Next lecture, 11/23 Ch 10: Observational Learning Quizzes on there way!! Paper topics if you’re planning on the optional paper