1. Learning: Operant Conditioning
AP Psychology

2. Definition Operant Conditioning:
Learning that is strengthened when behavior is followed by reinforcement
Difference between Operant Conditioning (OC) and Classical Conditioning (CC)
OC – focus is placed on voluntary response/behavior
CC – focus is placed on involuntary response/behavior

3. Reinforcement Definition
Process by which a stimulus increases the chances that the preceding behavior will be repeated.

4. Types of Reinforcers Primary Secondary
Stimulus that functions due to biological makeup.
Examples: food, water warmth
Little learning needed.
Secondary
Stimulus that increases the probability of a response b/c its association with a primary reinforcer.
Examples: money, attention, social approval
Most often used, but dependent on prior learning.

5. Types of Reinforcers Positive Negative
Stimulus that increases the frequency of a behavior being repeated.
Examples: food, money, fun, etc
Receiving something you want following a specific behavior, can change or vary from person to person
Negative
Unpleasant stimulus that increases the frequency of a behavior when it is removed.
Example: alarm clock, fatigue, temperature
Unpleasant in one way or another because of its discomfort.

6. Schedules of Reinforcement
Interval
Ratio
Fixed
Specific amount of time must elapse before the reinforcer is presented.
Reinforcement provided for a specific amount of repeated behaviors.
Variable
Amount of time between behavior and reinforcer will vary from trial to trial.
Reinforcement is provided following a behavior without consistency.

7. Schedules of Reinforcement
Interval
Ratio
Fixed
US History:
Quiz Every Other Friday
HyVee:
Buy Three Bananas,
Get the Fourth Free
Variable
Biology:
Pop Quiz
(Unannounced)
The Venetian Casino:
Slot Machines

8. Schedules of Reinforcement
Interval
Ratio
Fixed
Variable

9. Schedules of Reinforcement
Interval
Ratio
Fixed
Doctor:
Take two Advil every four hours.
Best Buy:
Sell 15 Plasma TVs,
get a $250 bonus.
Variable
Self Medicate:
Take two Advil prior to bed, take two more at lunch, then take two more after practice.
Elementary Teachers:
Gold Stars for perfect paper, Second Gold Star after 3 perfect papers, Third Gold Start after 7 perfect papers.

10. Try some online