Overview
This lecture covers operant conditioning, focusing on how behavior is shaped and maintained by consequences, based on B.F. Skinner's research.
Introduction to Operant Conditioning
- Operant conditioning explains learning through the consequences of behavior.
- B.F. Skinner believed behavior is determined, shaped, and maintained by its consequences.
- Skinner's research built on behaviorist ideas from Watson and Pavlov.
Reinforcement and Punishment
- Reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.
- Punishment decreases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.
- Skinner studied reinforcement and punishment in controlled environments called "Skinner boxes" using rats and pigeons.
Types of Reinforcement and Punishment
- Positive means adding something; negative means taking something away.
- Positive reinforcement: adding something pleasant (e.g., praise, rewards).
- Negative reinforcement: removing something unpleasant (e.g., cancelling detention).
- Positive punishment: adding something unpleasant (e.g., scolding).
- Negative punishment: taking away something pleasant (e.g., loss of privileges).
Extinction and Schedules of Reinforcement
- Extinction occurs when reinforcement for a behavior stops, reducing that behavior.
- Continuous reinforcement rewards behavior every time; partial reinforcement only some of the time.
- Partial reinforcement is more resistant to extinction than continuous reinforcement.
Types of Reinforcement Schedules
- Fixed ratio: reward after a set number of responses (e.g., every third lever press).
- Variable ratio: reward after a varied number of responses (e.g., unpredictable lever presses; most resistant to extinction).
- Fixed interval: reward after a set amount of time (e.g., every 10 seconds).
- Variable interval: reward after a varied amount of time (e.g., 10, 15, then 7 seconds).
Real-World Applications
- Variable ratio schedules are used in social media and games to keep users engaged.
- Our behaviors online are often shaped by operant conditioning techniques.
Practice Scenarios
- Negative punishment: taking away a park visit to reduce unsafe road crossing.
- Positive reinforcement: praise and ice cream to encourage safe road crossing.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Operant Conditioning — learning by the consequences of voluntary behavior.
- Reinforcement — increases the likelihood a behavior will be repeated.
- Punishment — decreases the likelihood a behavior will be repeated.
- Positive — adding a stimulus.
- Negative — removing a stimulus.
- Extinction — the decrease of a behavior when reinforcement stops.
- Schedules of Reinforcement — patterns that determine when reinforcement is given.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review scenarios and identify which consequence or schedule is applied.
- Reflect on how operant conditioning influences your own behaviors, especially online.