Introduction to operant conditioning Matt Jarvis Hodder & Stoughton © 2016
Background Operant conditioning was developed from the earlier idea of ‘the law of effect’ (Thorndike, 1905): Responses that produce a satisfying effect are more likely to occur again, and responses that produce a discomforting effect become less likely to occur again in that situation. Thorndike found that a cat would learn to press a lever in order to escape the box. Hodder & Stoughton © 2016
Operant conditioning ‘proper’ Developed by B.F. Skinner: Skinner rejected ideas like ‘satisfying’ and ‘discomfort’ because they were hard to observe and therefore not appropriate for scientific study. Hodder & Stoughton © 2016
Operant behaviours and consequences Skinner studied the effects of the consequences of behaviours (operants) on their repetition. Behaviours that result in a good consequence increase in frequency Behaviours that result in a bad consequence decrease in frequency Reinforcement Punishment Hodder & Stoughton © 2016
Reinforcement Can be positive or negative: Negative reinforcement Note: ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ do not mean good and bad. Negative reinforcement Positive reinforcement Something bad is removed from the situation as a result of the behaviour Something good is added to the situation as a result of the behaviour The frequency of the behaviour increases Hodder & Stoughton © 2016
Punishment Can also be positive or negative: Negative punishment Note: ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ still do not mean good and bad. Negative punishment Positive punishment Something good is removed from the situation as a result of the behaviour Something bad is added to the situation as a result of the behaviour The frequency of the behaviour decreases Hodder & Stoughton © 2016
Examples Hodder & Stoughton © 2016
Schedules of reinforcement Reinforcement is most effective when it is unpredictable. Variable ratio reinforcement occurs when each reinforcement takes place after an unpredictable number of repeat behaviours. Variable interval reinforcement occurs when reinforcement takes place after an unpredictable time lag following the behaviour. Hodder & Stoughton © 2016