BF Skinner developed the theory of operant conditioning which argues that behavior is shaped by its consequences rather than associations to stimuli. Operant behavior is voluntary and influenced by reinforcement or punishment that increases or decreases the likelihood of the behavior reoccurring. Skinner researched operant conditioning using a Skinner Box which could deliver rewards or punishments on different reinforcement schedules like continuous, fixed ratio, variable ratio, fixed interval, and variable interval schedules.

1. OPERANT
CONDITIONING
BF SKINNER

2. BF Skinner
American psychologist who is best known
for his contributions to behaviorism and his
development of the theory of operant
conditioning.
Argued that behavior is shaped and
maintained by its consequences, rather than
by associations between stimuli and
responses.

3. Respondent vs
Operant Behaviour
Respondent behavior refers to
automatic, involuntary, and reflexive
responses to a stimulus. These
responses are typically innate and do
not require any prior learning.
Operant behaviour is voluntary
behaviour that is shaped and
maintained by its consequences. The
consequences can either be positive
(rewards) or negative (punishments),
and they determine whether the
behaviour is more or less likely to occur
again in the future.

4. Skinner Box

5. Reinforcement and
Punishment
Reinforcement refers
to any consequence
that increases the
likelihood of a
behavior occurring
again.
while punishment refers
to any consequence
that decreases the
likelihood of a behavior
occurring again.

6. TYPES OF REINFORCEMENT
Positive
reinforcement occurs
when a desirable
consequence is added
after a behaviour
Negative
reinforcement occurs
when an aversive
stimulus is removed
after a behaviour

7. TYPES OF PUNISHMENT
Positive punishment
occurs when an
undesirable
consequence is added
after a behaviour
Negative punishment
occurs when a
desirable stimulus is
removed after a
behaviour

8. Schedule of
Reinforcement
A schedule of reinforcement
refers to the frequency and
timing of the delivery of
reinforcement in response to a
behaviour.

9. Continuous
Reinforcement Schedule
(CRF)
Every occurrence of the desired behavior is reinforced.
Useful for establishing and initially strengthening a behavior.
It provides immediate feedback and creates a strong
association between the behavior and the reinforcement.
But it can also lead to rapid extinction if reinforcement is
suddenly withdrawn.
It may not be sustainable in the long term due to resource
limitations or the potential for habituation.

10. Fixed Ratio
Reinforcement(FR)
Reinforcement is delivered after a fixed number of responses.
Typically result in high response rates and are often used to
increase the frequency of a behavior.
It's important to strike a balance between the fixed ratio and
the effort required, as extremely high ratios can lead to fatigue
or decreased motivation over time.

11. Variable Ratio (VR)
reinforcement
Reinforcement is delivered after an average number of
responses, but the exact number varies unpredictably.
Variable ratio schedules tend to be more resistant to extinction.

12. Fixed Interval (FI)
reinforcement
Reinforcement is provided for the first response that occurs after
a set amount of time has passed.
The response rate may drop immediately after receiving
reinforcement and gradually increase as the next interval comes
to an end.
This schedule might not necessarily lead to the highest level of
performance or consistent engagement throughout the interval.

13. Variable Interval (VI)
reinforcement
The first response is rewarded after an average, yet variable,
period of time has elapsed since the last reinforcement.
The variability in the reinforcement schedule prevents you from
predicting exactly when reinforcement will be provided.

14. PRINCIPLE OF SHAPING
The technique used in operant conditioning to teach complex
behaviors by reinforcing small steps or successive
approximations toward the desired behavior.
Shaping involves systematically reinforcing behaviors that are
increasingly similar to the target behavior, gradually guiding the
subject to exhibit the desired behavior.