Read and respond for your class starter: Read the “Exploring Psychology” section on p How did the therapists use the comforts to get the woman to eat?

Operant Conditioning Learning from the consequences of behavior B.F. Skinner –Psychologist credited with formulating the principles of operant conditioning

Reinforcement Stimulus or event that follows a response –Increases likelihood of repetition of response Positive –Reward for behavior Negative –Unpleasant item is taken away Primary Reinforcer –Satisfies biological need: water Secondary Reinforcer –Stimulus linked to primary reinforcer: money

Schedules of Reinforcement Fixed-ratio schedule –Specified number of responses required before obtaining reinforcement Variable-ratio schedule –Do not know number of responses required to obtain reinforcement Fixed-interval schedule –Specific amount of time before reinforcement Variable-interval schedule –Changing amounts of time elapse before reinforcement obtained

Aversive Control Unpleasant events can affect behavior Negative Reinforcement Unpleasant stimulus removed –Two Types Escape conditioning –Behavior causes unpleasant event to stop Avoidance Conditioning –Behavior prevents an unpleasant event from happening

Punishment Behavior is not repeated b/c of unpleasant consequences Disadvantages –Side effects such as rage, aggression and fear –Avoid the person delivering the punishment Also need positive coaching and modeling