Operant Conditioning Reinforcement – when a stimulus or event occurs that strengthens or increases the probability of a response reoccurring positive (+) reinforcement: the following of a behavior with a pleasant consequence negative (-) a behavior: brings about the removal of an unpleasant or aversive consequence
Principles of Reinforcement Reinforcers Primary Reinforcer innately reinforcing stimulus i.e., satisfies a biological need Secondary (Conditioned) Reinforcer usually learned i.e., praise, rewards, money, gains its reinforcing power through its association with primary reinforcer
Principles of Reinforcement Continuous Reinforcement reinforcing the desired response each time it occurs must initially occur for a behavior to be acquired quickly Partial (Intermittent) Reinforcement reinforcing a response only part of the time results in slower acquisition but greater resistance to extinction must occur for a behavior to be continued
Operant Conditioning Punishment an aversive event that decreases the behavior that it follows positive punishment: when a behavior is followed by an aversive or negative consequence negative punishment: when a behavior is followed by the removal of a desirable stimulus
Operant Conditioning Punishers – Primary Punisher usually innate and biological in nature i.e., heat, cold, hunger, physical discomfort – Secondary Punisher usually learned i.e. criticism, shame, scolding, demerits, etc. gains influence when associated with primary punisher
Punishment For punishment to be effective: – must be consistent – should not be done in anger or involve abuse – should include info about what is expected or appropriate behavior – should be followed with reinforcement of desired behavior
Operant vs Classical Conditioning