Operant conditioning is the process of shaping behaviors using positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, or punishment.
It’s a jot down of behavior change that occurs because of a purposeful cause-and-effect reinforcement.
When applied in behavioral therapy, operant conditioning can be used to create change based on rewards and punishments.
Verywell / Daniel Fishel
Operant conditioning occurs all around us, both in humans and in animals, with or without our knowledge.
Behaviorism is an approach to psychology that focuses on using conditioning to modify behaviors.
Psychologist John B. Watson laid the groundwork for Skinner’s theories by focusing on the study ofclassical conditioning.
Operant conditioning, on the other hand, focuses more on choice and willful actions.
Skinner noted that when, how, and how often reinforcers are used all are important.
This aspect of operant conditioning is called a schedule of reinforcement.
These are the rules that are applied to produce a particular response.
Types of Behaviors Addressed
Behavioral therapiesuse operant conditioning widely for all kinds of situations.
For example, a dog learns to shake hands when you use edible treats as a reward.
As long as the reward continues, though, the dog is likely to keep shaking hands.
Operant conditioning can also be used to reduce unwanted behaviors.
Examples of this could include an injury from a dangerous activity or a fine for breaking the law.
The penalty that comes because of the behavior makes the subject not want to continue that behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
Hypnosis implies a trance-like state in which there is a heightened level of suggestibility.
Operant conditioning relies on selectively changing reinforcements to affect future behaviors.
Rewards and punishments can both be used in operant conditioning.
A positive reinforcer is the introduction of a desirable reward to reinforce a particular behavior.
A negative reinforcer is an unpleasant event whose removal follows a particular behavior.
Negative reinforcement doesn’t always have to be a punishment.
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What is operant conditioning and how does it work?Simply Psychology.2018.
Goldman JG.What is operant conditioning?Scientific American.
University of Iowa.Schedules of reinforcement.
Wake Forest University.6 types of behavior therapies used by counselors today.
B.F. Skinner Foundation.A brief survey of operant behavior.
