Behavioural Views of Learning-02 Operant Conditioning: Trying New Responses 1

Contents 1- Definition and fundamentals 2- Consequences - Reinforcements -Punishment

Definition and fundamentals Learning in which voluntary behavior is strengthened or weakened by consequences or antecedents. Fundamentals of operant conditioning: Operants – voluntary (and generally goal-directed) behaviors emitted by a person or an animal Antecedents – events that precede an action Consequences – events that follow an action Reinforcer - any event that follows a behavior and increases the chances that the behavior will occur again. 3

Definition and fundamentals Relationship between antecedents, behaviors and consequences Antecedent Behavior Consequence A  B  C 4

Definition and fundamentals According to the behavioral views, consequences determine to a great extent whether a person will repeat the behavior that led to the consequences. Types and timing of consequences can strengthen or weaken behaviors 5

Definition and fundamentals Examples of consequences: Concrete rewards (stickers, food, certificates) Activity rewards (free time, free reading, puzzles) Exemption rewards (no homework, no weekly test) Social rewards (praise, recognition,

Types of Consequences Reinforcement Punishment

Reinforcement Reinforcement ( is it reward?) – its definitions The use of consequences to strengthen behavior. Act of following a response with a reinforcer. Examples of reinforcement: money, teacher’s approval, praise, scolding, frowning, yelling, etc. CONSEQUENCE EFFECT Behavior Reinforcer Strengthened or repeated behavior 8

Reinforcement Types of reinforcement 1. Positive reinforcement 2. Negative reinforcement 9

Reinforcement Positive reinforcement It occurs when the behavior produces a new stimulus. Strengthening behavior by presenting a desired stimulus after the behavior. When the consequence is the appearance (addition) of a new stimulus Examples: response to get teacher’s praise; work hard to get an A; response to get a snack, smile, attention, etc. Falling out of your chair producing cheers and laughter from classmates 10

Reinforcement Negative reinforcement Strengthening behavior by removing an aversive stimulus when the behavior occurs. Aversive: irritating or unpleasant When the consequence is the disappearance (subtraction) of a stimulus Example: car seatbelt buzzer; getting sick right before test and sending student to a nurse’s office. 11

More examples of negative reinforcement Example of English literature – 2 students found the assignment is difficult and confusing. A Student decided to finish early her assignment to get rid of it. She no longer have to worry about it. B Student, once found the novel confusing and difficult, decided to end her study sessions by finding other things she needs to do such as washing her hair, watching TV, playing basketball, etc. 12

Punishment Process that weakens or suppresses behavior. A behavior followed by a punisher is less likely to be repeated in a similar situations in the future. It is the effect that defines a consequence as punishment, and different people have different perceptions what is punishing. 13

Punishment For example: one student may find suspension from school punishing, while another wouldn’t mind at all. The process of punishment: CONSEQUENCE EFFECT Behavior Punisher weakened or decreased behavior 14

Punishment Forms of punishment 1. Type I punishment - presentation punishment 2. Type II punishment - removal punishment 15

Punishment Presentation punishment Decreasing the chances that a behavior will occur again by presenting an aversive stimulus following the behavior. Examples: assigning demirits, extra work, after school detention, reducing grade, etc 16

Punishment Removal punishment Decreasing the chances that a behavior will occur again by removing a pleasant stimulus following the behavior. Examples: taking away privileges after behaving inappropriate; no TV for a week; no travelling overseas during vacation after poor performance. 17