1. Chapter 7 (E): Operant Conditioning: Applications of Operant Conditioning
A.P. Psychology

2. Do-Now (Questionnaire/In Journal)
Answer the questions on Hand-Out 7-8: “The Work Preference Inventory”
Tally up the numbers of your responses:
Intrinsic Motivation:
Reverse the numbers that you gave in statements 9 and 14 (i.e., 1=4, 2=3, 3=2, 4=1)
Next, add the numbers in front of items 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 27, 28, and 30
Extrinsic Motivation:
Reverse the numbers that you gave in statements 1, 16, and 22 (i.e., 1=5, 2=4, 3=3, 4=2, 5=1)
Next, add the numbers in front of items 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, and 29
Scores will range from for both scales
Mean scores:
Intrinsic: 45
Extrinsic: 39
Higher scores indicate higher intrinsic or extrinsic motivation

3. Skinner’s Legacy
Skinner argued that behaviors were shaped by external influences instead of inner thoughts and feelings. Critics argued that Skinner dehumanized people by neglecting their free will.

4. Applications of Operant Conditioning
Skinner introduced the concept of teaching machines that shape learning in small steps and provide reinforcements for correct rewards.
In School

5. Applications of Operant Conditioning
Reinforcers affect productivity. Many companies now allow employees to share profits and participate in company ownership.
At Work

6. Applications of Operant Conditioning
In children, reinforcing good behavior increases the occurrence of these behaviors. Ignoring unwanted behavior decreases their occurrence.
At Home

7. Review
Why were psychologists critical of Skinner’s theories of behavior?
How this might work in “real life.”
What are some ways that operant conditioning is applied today:
In School
At Work
At Home