2. Radical Behaviorism
• B.F. Skinner
• “Behavior could be fully understood in terms
of environmental cues and results” (Driscoll,
2005)
• Cues = antecedents (before)
• Results = consequences (after)
3. Analysis of Behavior
Respondent Behavior
The behavior is an involuntary response to a
particular stimulus. (Driscoll, 2005)
• Example: Pavlov’s dogs
Operant Behavior
A behavior that acts on the surrounding
environment. (Driscoll, 2005)
• Examples:
– students raising hands
– circus animals performing tricks
4. Reinforcers
Primary Reinforcers
These reinforcers are valuable due to biologically determined
needs. (Driscoll, 2005)
• Examples:
– food
– sleep
Conditioned Reinforcers
The reinforcers value is determined by its link with a primary
reinforcer. (Driscoll, 2005)
• Examples:
– money
– gold stars
5. Behavior Strengthening
Positive Reinforcement
• The presentation of a
desirable stimulus as the
result of a desired behavior.
(Driscoll, 2005)
• The purpose of positive
reinforcement is to
strengthen the repetition of
a desired behavior.
• Examples:
– A dog trainer giving treats
following commands
Negative Reinforcement
• The removal of an aversive or
undesirable stimulus to
reinforce a desired behavior.
(Driscoll, 2005)
• This term should not be
confused with punishment.
• Example:
– Seat belt chime in an
automobile
6. Behavior Weakening
Punishment
• The presentation of an
undesired or aversive
stimulus in order to weaken
the frequency of a
particular behavior.
(Driscoll, 2005)
• Examples:
– Yelling at students by their
teacher
– Pushups directive from drill
sergeant
Reinforcement Removal
• The removal of a previously given
reinforcement based on an
undesired behavior. (Driscoll, 2005)
• Example:
– Parking Fines
Extinction – *Special Case*
A currently maintaining reinforcement is
removed in order to discourage a
particular behavior. (Driscoll, 2005)
• Examples:
– Owner ignoring a whining pet
– Teacher ignoring students not
appropriately trying to gain attention.
7. Positive Reinforcement
• Adds to the learner’s comfort
• Example:
• Student performs well on an
assignment, receives a reward.
Punishment
• Adds to the learner’s misery
• Example:
• Student performs poorly on an
assignment and receives
detention or is yelled at.
Reinforcement Removal
• Reduces the learner’s comfort
• Example:
• Student performs poorly on an
assignment and loses recess time.
Negative Reinforcement
• Reduces the learner’s misery
• Example:
• Student performs well on an
assignment and receives a
homework pass for another night.
Basic Principles
of Behavior
Reinforcement
8. Teaching New Behaviors
Shaping
The reinforcement of approximations of the target, or goal,
behavior. (Driscoll, 2005)
• As learner masters each approximation, they should be
moved to the next phase.
• Examples:
– A rat pressing a bar
– Children achieving new behaviors
Chaining
• A way to teach complex target behaviors that consist of
multiple, more simple, behaviors that can be learned in
sequence by the learner. (Driscoll, 2005)
• Examples:
– Learning a dance routine
Ah, Sh,
Ch…
9. References
• Definitions
Driscoll, M. (2005). Part II: Learning and Behavior; Radical Behaviorism. In Psychology of Learning for Instruction (Third
ed., pp. 29 - 69). New York, New York: Pearson Education.
• Images
– Chain Link: http://www.theahahouse.com/behavior/behavior-intervention/the-behavioral-approach/
– Pavlov’s Dogs: http://www.cliparthut.com/pavlovs-dog-experiment-clipart-hSGrGk.html
– Students Raising Hands: http://www.cliparthut.com/clip-arts/1791/school-classroom-raise-your-hand-
1791176.png
– Elephant Performing Trick: http://www.cliparthut.com/circus-elephant-clip-art-clipart-4RvA6F.html
– Food: http://www.cliparthut.com/clip-arts/440/food-tips-440595.jpg
– Sleep: http://www.cliparthut.com/clip-arts/161/sleep-clip-art-161525.png
– Money: http://www.cliparthut.com/clip-arts/1112/money-1112577.jpg
– Gold Stars: http://www.cliparthut.com/clip-arts/42/gold-star-42686.jpeg
– Dog Treat: http://www.cliparthut.com/clip-arts/1691/dog-treat-clip-art-free-1691355.png
– Seat belt: http://www.cliparthut.com/clip-arts/158/seat-belt-clip-art-158524.gif
– Drill Sergeant: http://www.cliparthut.com/clip-arts/925/drill-sergeant-clip-art-925523.gif
– Ignoring Smiley: http://www.cliparthut.com/clip-arts/1842/ignore-illustrations-and-clipart-1842532.jpg
– Eye Contact: http://www.cliparthut.com/clip-arts/1408/eye-contact-clip-art-1408735.png
– Speaking: http://www.cliparthut.com/clip-arts/151/speaking-clip-art-151573.jpg
– Speaking Mouth: http://www.cliparthut.com/clip-arts/359/speaking-clip-art-359390.jpg
– Dance GIF: http://www.cliparthut.com/clip-arts/1030/dance-gif-1030044.gif
– Parking Ticket: http://www.cliparthut.com/parking-ticket-cartoon-clipart-1i7foP.html
