Operant conditioning is a type of associative learning where behavior is strengthened through reinforcement or weakened through punishment depending on the consequences of the behavior. Unlike classical conditioning, operant conditioning involves voluntary behaviors and their consequences. B.F. Skinner developed operant conditioning methods using "Skinner boxes" to shape behaviors in rats and pigeons through positive and negative reinforcement and punishment schedules.

1. Operant Conditioning The Ugly Cousin to Classical Conditioning

2. 8. Explain how Operant Conditioning works and is different than OC.

3. Operant Conditioning: Type of associative learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher. In this type of learning, a person learns to associate their own actions with consequences.

4. Look at the dog video on blackboard to see how easy operant conditioning works.

5. B.F. Skinner, an author, decided to enter grad school in psych. He was intrigued with how animal’s and people’s behavior is shaped by what they get or lose from doing it.

6. Skinner devised a method to test if he could shape behaviors in rats and birds. He came up with “Skinner Boxes” to test it out.

7. Pigeon vid

8. Page 326: Positive Reinforcement: Add a desirable effect Negative Reinforcement: Remove an aversive stimulus I pooed outside.

9. Page 329: Positive Punishment: Administer an aversive stimulus Negative Punishment: Withdraw a desirable stimulus

10. Positive Prefix Adding something in response to a behavior. Adding something: good = reinforcement bad = punishment Negative Prefix Taking away something in response to a behavior. Taking something: good = punishment bad = reinforcement

11. Calvin gives Hobbes a hug for wiping his feet off before coming inside. Positive Reinforcement

12. Police give you a speeding ticket. Positive Punishment

13. My wife cuts off my supply of pumpkin delights because of my behavior. Negative Punishment No more for you till you behave yourself.

14. You fasten your seatbelt and the beep goes away. Negative Reinforcement

15. Psychologists have found that constant positive reinforcement, or continuous reinforcement, is not the answer. It is much better to create a reinforcement schedule since life rarely continuously reinforces us.

16. Use punishments carefully. Constant, especially physical punishments, can suppress instead of decrease behaviors and cause fearfulness in children.