Download Module 27 Notes Operant Conditioning Operant Conditioning A type

Module 27 Notes
Operant Conditioning
Operant Conditioning
 A type of associative learning (like classical conditioning).
 Type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforce or diminished if
followed by a punisher.
 The likelihood of a behavior’s occurrence is linked to the response (consequence) that behavior
receives
o Rewards and Punishments (Behavior that operates on the environment to produce
rewarding or punishing stimuli is operant behavior
B.F. Skinner –




English major turned Psychologist.
Behaviorism most influential (and controversial) figure.
Build on ideas of Edward Thorndike (Law of Effect)
Worked with animals (training) – Pigeons in WWII to identify enemy targets
Law of Effect – principle that behaviors followed by favorable consequences become more likely,
unfavorable = less likely.


One of very few “Laws” in Psychology
It works ALL THE TIME