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OPERANT CONDITIONING
Increase Response
Increase (add) Stimuli
Decrease (subtract) Stimuli
(+) Positive Reinforcement
(-) Negative Reinforcement
Add a desirable stimulus to increase
behavior
Removing an aversive stimulus which in
turn will increase a behavior
Example:
Example:
*Parent gives money (reinforcer) to child
when room is cleaned.
*Parent nags (aversive stimulus) child until
room is cleaned
Decrease Response
A punisher is any consequence that decreases the frequency of a preceding behavior,
usually by administering an undesirable consequence or withdrawing a desirable
one.
(+) Positive Punishment
(-) Negative Punishment
Administer an aversive stimulus to
decrease preceding behavior
Withdraw a desirable stimulus to decrease
preceding behavior
Example:
Example:
*Child must wax car because room is not
cleaned.
*Child is grounded because room is not cleaned
OPERANT CONDITIONING:
Positive Reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and punishment are
tricky concepts. Here is another way to look at the topic.
1. If you give a desired stimulus, it is positive reinforcement.
2. If you take away a desired stimulus, it is negative punishment.
3. If you give an aversive stimulus, it is positive punishment.
4. If you take away an undesired/aversive stimulus, it is negative reinforcement.
**Remember:
A. Both positive and negative reinforcement increase a behavior or
response.
B. Both positive and negative punishment decrease a preceding behavior.
Type of Stimulus
Desired
(for example, a
compliment)
Undesired/Aversive
(for example, an
insult)
Give It
Take it Away
(+) Positive
Reinforcement
Punishment (ex. Time-out,
grounding)
Punishment
(-) Negative Reinforcement
OPERANT CONDITIONING:
Schedules of Reinforcement
Ratio
Interval
Fixed Ratio
Fixed Interval
Fixed
Reinforcement after fixed number of
non-reinforced responses
Example:
Example:
*Piece Work
*Weekly Exam
HIGH RESPONSE RATE
Variable
Specific time interval before response is
reinforced
LOWEST RESPONSE RATE
Variable Ratio
Variable Interval
Reinforcement after varying number
of non-reinforced responses
Reinforcement after first response following
a varying time of non-reinforced responses
Example:
Example:
*Slot machines
*Pop Quiz
HIGHER RESPONSE RATE; MOST
RESISTANT TO EXTINCTION
UNIFORM AND STABLE RESPONSE
RATE