1. Introduction to operant conditioning
Matt Jarvis
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2. 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.
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3. 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.
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4. 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
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5. 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
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6. 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
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7. Examples
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8. 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.
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