1. Objectives To explain the work of Edward Thorndike
To explain the work of B.F. Skinner
To outline the various reinforcements and punishments used in the experiments
To describe ‘token economy’

2. The Behaviourist Approach – Operant Conditioning
Initially called ‘Instrumental Learning’
Developed by Edward Thorndike
Suggested that learning could take place through ‘trial & error’
Thorndike suggested this as a result of his ‘puzzle box’ experiments

3. Operant Conditioning
From Thorndike's puzzle box experiments, he developed ‘The Law of Effect’
Positive Effects (Rewards) lead to … …………
Negative Effects (Punishment) lead to…………
Thorndike’s Puzzle Box Experiment

4. Operant Conditioning
B.F Skinner developed the idea of instrumental learning further and called it ‘operant conditioning’
Skinner suggested this as a result of his experiments with the ‘Skinner Box’

5. Operant Conditioning – Skinner Box
Skinner Box Experiments
Rat in the Skinner box
(Rewarded with food pellets)
Video link for Skinner (Pigeon Experiment)
Pigeon in a Skinner box

6. Operant Conditioning
From these experiments Skinner suggested when an animal performs behaviour (or operates on the environment) there are 4 possible consequences:-
Positive Reinforcement
Negative Reinforcement
Positive Punishment
Negative Punishment

7. Practical Applications of Operant Conditioning – Token Economy
Therapy based on Operant Conditioning are known as behaviour modification
Using rewards to shape behaviour
It has been used a great deal with institutionalised patients where they are given ‘tokens’ for behaving in appropriate ways . Tokens can be used to obtain privileges

8. Abnormal behaviour can be a result of operant conditioning
If someone looses weight, they may receive compliments from others. These compliments act as a positive reinforcement. The individual is more likely to repeat the behaviour of loosing weight. This could result in anorexia, bulimia or an addiction to exercise.