Operant Conditioning Essay - 757 Words

Operant Conditioning Overview: The theory of B.F. Skinner is based upon the idea that learning is a function of change in overt behavior. Changes in behavior are the result of an individuals response to events (stimuli) that occur in the environment. A response produces a consequence such as defining a word, hitting a ball, or solving a math problem. When a particular Stimulus-Response (S-R) pattern is reinforced (rewarded), the individual is conditioned to respond. The distinctive characteristic of operant conditioning relative to previous forms of behaviorism (e.g., Thorndike, Hull) is that the organism can emit responses instead of only eliciting response due to an external stimulus. Reinforcement is the key element in†¦show more content†¦Parenthetically, it should be noted that Skinner rejected the idea of theories of learning (see Skinner, 1950). Example: By way of example, consider the implications of reinforcement theory as applied to the development of programmed instruction (Markle, 1969; Skinner, 1968) 1. Practice should take the form of question (stimulus) - answer (response) frames which expose the student to the subject in gradual steps 2. Require that the learner make a response for every frame and receive immediate feedback 3. Try to arrange the difficulty of the questions so the response is always correct and hence a positive reinforcement 4. Ensure that good performance in the lesson is paired with secondary reinforcers such as verbal praise, prizes and good grades. Principles: 1. Behavior that is positively reinforced will reoccur; intermittent reinforcement is particularly effective 2. Information should be presented in small amounts so that responses can be reinforced (shaping) 3. Reinforcements will generalize across similar stimuli (stimulus generalization) producing secondary conditioning www.udayton.edu/~psych/DJP/histsys/pdfhs/hsbehavior2.pdf www.public.iastate.edu/~hdfs502/powerpoint_files/Thomas_07.PDF B.F. skinners’ theory is based on the idea that learning is the function ofShow MoreRelatedOperant Vs. Operant Conditioning858 Words   |  4 PagesOperant Learning Model Operant conditioning is best described as the process that attempts to modify behavior through the use of positive and negative reinforcement. During this process the subject you are working with either animal or human learns to perform a specific task, through the use of positive or negative reinforcement (Chance, 2014). This model is best suited for teaching Ben the appropriate behavior as it relates to stealing. Operant conditioning will be used to teach Ben not to steal;Read MoreOperant Conditioning : Example Of Conditioning Essay789 Words   |  4 PagesEXAMPLES OF OPERANT CONDITIONING Example of Operant conditioning, is when you decided to snooze the alarm in the morning after partying all night long. Finally you decide to get up to go to work you are running 15 min late. And decide to step on gas pedal. You are now driving 50 mph on a 35 mph road. You think you are fine and won t get caught because everyone else is driving fast also. All of sudden a cop is hidden in between the trees and bushes. You try to brake, in order to slow down a bit,Read MoreOperant Conditioning, The Strength Of Conditioning Essay1710 Words   |  7 Pagesoperant behavior and because of the emphasis on the response it is called type R and also called operant conditioning. 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His experiment worked by placing a catRead MoreThe Theory Of Operant Conditioning1934 Words   |  8 Pagesof Operant Conditioning and all the many aspects that go along with it. This theory of Operant Conditioning by B. F. Skinner is a great guideline that can be used in the classroom. Operant Conditioning is definitely a theory that can change the way a classroom is ran. Throughout this paper we will see what behaviorism is and what operant conditioning is as a whole, along with the educational implications of this theory. Biographical Background of (Theorist) The theory of Operant Conditioning wasRead MoreThe Theory Of Operant Conditioning1212 Words   |  5 PagesOperant conditioning (sometimes referred to as instrumental conditioning) is a method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior. Through operant conditioning, an association is made between a behavior and a consequence for that behavior. For example, when a lab rat presses a blue button, he receives a food pellet as a reward, but when he presses the red button he receives a mild electric shock. As a result, he learns to press the blue button but avoid the red button. TheRead MoreThe Principals Of Operant Conditioning1119 Words   |  5 PagesThe principals of operant conditioning, teaches how having certain coping techniques can reward certain undesirable behaviors. Conditioning human behavior has been studied for many years, Psychologists Edward Thorndike and B.F. Skinner, have dedicated the majority of their lives to the study. Thorndike’s theory Law of effect. Thorndike suggests that certain stimuli and response become connected or dissociated from each other. 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As a behaviorist B.F SkinnerRead MoreOperant Conditioning : Voluntary Behavior Essay940 Words   |  4 PagesOnil Trinidad Psych 11 Dr. Mcspadden Operant Conditioning Voluntary behavior is a result of a learning process which is commonly referred to as â€Å"Operant Conditioning.† According to the American Psychological Association, operant conditioning is â€Å"Learning in which the probability of a response is changed by a change in its consequences† (Allyn Para#8). In simpler terms, operant conditioning is the explanation for voluntary behavior, which can reoccur or diminish, depending if the consequence isRead MoreOperant Conditioning Methods And Research1620 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction In the article, â€Å"Operant Conditioning Methods Applied to Research in Chronic Schizophrenia,† a study is described where experimenters used operant conditioning methods to analyze the behavior of â€Å"non-verbal, lowly motivated, chronic psychotic patients.† (Lindsley 118-119) Before this study can be understood, a brief description of operant conditioning is necessary. Operant conditioning was a method developed by B.F. Skinner in 1938. (121) Prior to this year, Skinner became very interested