Components of Operant ConditioningThe examples given here illustrate the three key components involved in operant conditioning. The basic operant conditioning process works likethis: In the presence of a specific discriminative stimulus, an operant response is emitted, which is followed by a consequence. Depending on theconsequence, we are either more or less likely to repeat the operant when we encounter the same or a similar discriminative stimulus in the future.

Discriminative Stimulus Operant Response Consequence Effect on Future Behavior

Definition The environmental stimulusthat precedes an operantresponse

The actively emittedor voluntary behavior

The environmental stimulusor event that follows theoperant response

Reinforcement increases the likelihoodof operant being repeated; punishmentor lack of reinforcement decreases thelikelihood of operant being repeated.

Examples Wallet on college sidewalk Give wallet to security $50 reward from wallet'sowner

Gas gauge almost on "empty" Fill car with gas

Informal social situation atwork

Tell an off-color,sexist joke

Soft-drink vending machine Put in quarters

Avoid running out of gas

Formally reprimanded forsexism and inappropriateworkplace behavior

Get no soft drink and losemoney

Positive reinforcement: More likely toturn in lost items to authorities

Negative reinforcement: More likely tofill car when gas gauge shows empty

Positive punishment: Less likely to telloff-color, sexist jokes in workplace

Negative punishment: Less likely to usethat vending machine