Operant Conditioning is a method of learning that modifies behavior through rewards and punishments. It focuses on the idea that an individual's behavior can be changed based on the consequences or responses it receives. Behavior can vary in form, frequency, and strength.
It aims to modify voluntary behaviors that can be maintained by consequences or responses.
It deals with automatic or reflexive behaviors that are not influenced by consequences.
Operant Conditioning
Classical Conditioning
Skinner identified three types of operants that can follow behavior: 1. Neutral operants: Responses from the environment that neither increase nor decrease the probability of a behavior being repeated. 2. Reinforcement: Consequences that strengthen behavior, which can be positive (adding something favorable) or negative (removing something unfavorable).
3. Punishment: Consequences that weaken behavior, which can be positive (adding something unfavorable) or negative (removing something favorable).
The core tools of operant conditioning include: 1. Positive Reinforcement: Presenting favorable events or outcomes after a behavior to strengthen it. 2. Negative Reinforcement: Removing unfavorable events or outcomes after a behavior to strengthen it.
3. Positive Punishment: Imposing unfavorable consequences after a behavior to decrease it. 4. Negative Punishment: Removing favorable events or outcomes after a behavior to decrease it.