This document discusses learning theories, specifically focusing on operant conditioning as defined by behaviorist B.F. Skinner. It explains that operant conditioning involves learning through rewards and punishments, where behaviors are influenced by their consequences. Examples illustrate the application of this theory in real-life situations.

1. Name: Urfa Haroon
Roll no: 2k17-B.Ed-EL-58
Topic: Theories of Learning (operant conditioning)
Assigned by: Dr. Amjad Ali Arain.
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2. Theories of learning:
Learning theories are an organized set or
principles explaining how individuals
acquire, retain and recall knowledge. By
studying and knowing different learning
theories, we can better understand how
learning occurs.
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3. Operant conditioning:
Operant conditioning was coined by behaviorist
“B.F.Skinner”. As a behaviorist, skinner believed that
it was not really necessary to look at internal thoughts
and motivations in order to explain behavior. Instead,
he suggested, we should look at observable causes of
human behavior.
Operant conditioning is a method of learning that
occurs through rewards and punishments for behviour.
Through operant conditioning, an association is made
between a behavior and a consequence for that
behavior.
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4. Operant conditioning:
(continued…)
The key principle of operant conditioning is the
reward or punishment of a new behavior. This
condition states that rewarding someone for
particular behavior encourages him to behave
in the same way in a similar situation.
Conversely, if a behavior is punished, the
subject is less likely to repeat it. In operant
conditioning, people can learn not to do things
as well as to do thing.
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5. Examples of operant
conditioning:
•After performing in a community theatre play,
you receive applauses from the audience. This
act as a positive reinforce inspiring you to try
out for more performance roles.
•A teenage girl does not cleanup her room as
she was ask, so her parents take away her
phone for the rest of the day. This is an
example of a negative punishment in which a
positive stimulus is taken away.
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