Operant Conditioning Paper free essay sample

The following study examines the theory of operant conditioning, positive and, negative reinforcements, effectiveness, a real-world application of operant conditioning, and an applicable reinforcement schedule. Theory of Operant Conditioning Operant conditioning is a form of learning that exists within the science of psychology and is one of two types of conditioning, the other, classical conditioning. Operant conditioning teaches an organism to respond by thinking, learning, or reacting to a stimulus (Olson amp; Hergenhahn, 2009). Whether training an animal to respond to a command, or training a child to behave in a manner conducive to a parent’s wishes, the application of operant conditioning influences continuation or discontinuation of a response. The theory of operant conditioning operates on reinforcements, which strengthens or increases behavior, generally in the form of rewards or punishments (Olson amp; Hergenhahn, 2009). Reinforcement Comparisons and Contrasts Reinforcements strengthen the likelihood of reoccurrence of a response and are either positive or negative. We will write a custom essay sample on Operant Conditioning Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page As a component of the process of learning, reinforcements influence response rate and strength. Positive reinforcement adds to, whereas negative or, punitive reinforcement diminish and remove (Olson amp; Hergenhahn, 2009). Negative and positive reinforcement both seek to increase a response. Positive reinforcement increases the probability that a response will occur again, whereas a negative reinforcement increases the probability that a response will not occur again. Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement increases a favorable response. For example, a mother places a smiley face on the child’s mirror each time he or she completes his or her homework. The behavior is completing homework. The positive reinforcement is a smiley face. Negative Reinforcement Negative reinforcement removes a negative response the result of negative behavior (Olson amp; Hergenhahn, 2009). For example, a child performs a disobedient act by jumping on the bed. The parent gives a disapproving look. Refraining from disobedient behavior (jumping on the bed) produces the negative reinforcement, removal of the disapproving look. Effectiveness of Reinforcement Balancing positive and negative reinforcement results in a higher probability of the sought-after response. Nevertheless positive reinforcement according to Skinner is more effective than negative reinforcement when application is intermittent (Skinner, 1953). For example, a child learning that praise follows good behavior desires to receive praise and thus works toward that end not knowing when the praise will occur. Rewarding good behavior unexpectedly decreases the development of habituation. An Application of Operant Conditioning Applying disciplinary measures to children provides a real-world application of operant conditioning. For example, the objective is to teach a child the lesson of fair play. During playtime a child refuses to share his or her toys. Applying positive reinforcement may include making a game out of exchanging toys with the other children as the child watches. Engaging the other children with laughter and animation may spark interest with the child who is experiencing difficulty sharing. Teaching a child using this strategy however, requires developing a reinforcement schedule that will allow the child to gradually acclimate. Reinforcement Schedule Reinforcement schedules may be continual or partial. The partial reinforcement schedule consists of fixed or variable-ratio schedules, or fixed or variable-interval schedules. The type of schedule one selects is contingent upon the nature or the situation (Skinner, 1953). The above example might require continuous reinforcement initially while gradually moving to partial reinforcement and a fixed ratio or fixed interval schedule. The selection of a schedule will be contingent upon the situation and the in this case the personality of the child. In review, operant conditioning is a learning process by which the behavior of animals and humans receive influence through reward and punishment (Skinner, 1953). Strengthening behavior occurs through reinforcement, which has the propensity to either increase or decrease the occurrence or reoccurrence of the response.