Learning Theories: Operant Conditioning (2Q2)

Operant Conditioning: learning from the consequences of behavior (operates on the environment)

BF Skinner is most closely associated with this system of rewards and punishments (known as Behaviorism)

 Understanding the consequences that a person faced can explain behavior

 Example: Loud, obnoxious people

Reinforcement: an event or stimulus that increases the chance a recent behavior will be repeated (two types: positive and negative). Dependent on:

Schedules of Reinforcement: The timing and frequency of reinforcement

 Continuous Schedule: reinforces every time the desired behavior occurs

 Partial Schedule: reinforcing behavior intermittently to make it more predictable and last longer

 Four Basic Partial Schedules: Two based on time intervals, two based on number of responses o Fixed-Ratio Schedule: reinforcement depends on a fixed quantity of responses (rewarding in a pattern)

. Organism responds at high steady rate …

. Example: Grading on an assignment (cost vs. reward problem) o Variable-Ratio Schedule: number of responses required varies from one time to the next (rewarding at random)

. Organism responds at very high rate. Hard to extinguish.

. Example: Slot machines (“waiting game” problem) o Fixed-Interval Schedule: reinforces the first response after a fixed time has elapsed

. Slow, steady responding … gets faster near reinforcement time.

. Example: Unit or Chapter Tests (“after-response” problem) o Variable-Interval Schedule: the time at which reinforcement becomes available changes

. Slowest but steady responding … doesn’t vary much over time. . Example: Busy signal when calling someone (“desire” problem)

Primary Reinforcer: satisfies a basic, natural need, such as hunger, thirst etc.

Secondary Reinforcer: a conditioned reinforcer that was previously a neutral stimulus (what are some exa mples?)

Advertising Activity – how do “hidden persuaders” shape the feelings toward a product?

Stimuli associated with rewards or punishments often become signals for particular behavior

Aversive Control: unpleasant events or consequences are used to influence behavior. Two types: 1. Negative Reinforcement: Painful/unpleasant stimulus is removed or not applied in order to elicit behavior (stone in shoe example)

 Escape Conditioning: Correct behavior causes an unpleasant event to stop (unpleasant food example)

 Avoidance Conditioning: Correct behavior prevents unpleasant stimulus from being applied (pre-emptive removal) pa ge 35

2. Punishment: Unpleasant consequence is applied in order to decrease or eliminate undesired behavior

 Can produce unwanted side effects such as rage, aggression and fear.

 Legitimizes other unwanted behavior

What about the animals?