Operant Conditioning

Unit 6

Classical Conditioning

respondent behavior – actions are an automatic response to stimuli

Organism does not control the responses.

Organism learns associations between events it does not control.

Operant Conditioning

operant behavior – actions operate on the environment to produce rewarding or punishing stimuli

Organism does control the responses.

Organism learns associations by own behavior and the resulting events.

Classical Conditioning

Organism associates one or more stimuli together and anticipates events.

+

Dog learns the bell means it is time to eat.

Operant Conditioning

Organism associates their own actions with consequences.

+

Dog learns peeing outside means getting a treat.

A type of associative learning where an organism associates their own actions with consequences.

Behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer.

Behavior is diminished if followed by a punisher.

Sensitivity to PunishmentGive yourself 1 point for a “yes” for each of

the odd-numbered items.

Sensitivity to RewardGive yourself 1 point for a “yes” for each of

the even-numbered items.

Scores range from 0-24 for each scale.Higher scores reflect greater sensitivity to

punishment or reward.

Reinforcer(Reinforcement)Any event that increases or strengthens the

behavior it follows.Tells you what to do.

PunishmentAny event that decreases or weakens the

behavior it follows.Tells you what not to do.

PositiveAdding or administering stimuli

NegativeRemoving or withdrawing stimuli

Positive Reinforcement Increasing behaviorBy adding stimuli

Negative Reinforcement Increasing behaviorBy removing stimuli

Positive PunishmentDecreasing behaviorBy adding stimuli

Negative PunishmentDecreasing behaviorBy removing stimuli

Adding or administering a

stimulus

Removing or withdrawing a

stimulus

Increases behavior that follows it

Positive Reinforcement

Negative Reinforcement

Ex: Getting a hug; receiving a paycheck

Ex:Fastening seatbelt to turn off beeping

Decreases behavior that

follows it

Positive Punishment

Negative Punishment

Ex:Spanking; receiving a parking ticket

Ex:Time-out from privileges; revoked driver’s license

Positive Negative

Reinforcement

Increases behavior it follows by adding

a stimulus

Increases behavior it follows by removing a

stimulus

Ex: Getting a hug; receiving a paycheck

Ex:Fastening seatbelt to turn off beeping

Punishment

Decreases behavior it follows

by adding a stimulus

Decreases behavior it follows

by removing a stimulus

Ex:Spanking; receiving a parking ticket

Ex:Time-out from privileges; revoked driver’s license