Operant conditioning & types of reinforcement

• Operant conditioning (OC)is learning via consequences

  • Along with classical conditioning, it is one of the core assumptions which underpin the behaviourist approach
• Where classical conditioning emphasises the stimulus-response mechanism of learned behaviour, OC emphasises the role of reward and reinforcement in behaviour

  • Some behaviours will be repeated based on their positive consequences e.g. 'That burger was yummy, I'll be back!'
  • Some behaviours will not be repeated based on their negative consequences e.g. 'That burger was disgusting, never coming here again'
  • Some behaviours will be repeated not for their positive consequences but to avoid their negative consequences e.g. 'I'd choose salad to stop being unhealthy'
• Consequences are learned via three types of direct reinforcement:

  • Positive reinforcement
  • Performing a behaviour to experience the positive consequences e.g. completing homework to gain praise from the teacher
  • Negative reinforcement
  • Performing a behaviour to avoid unpleasant consequences e.g. completing homework to prevent being given a detention
  • Punishment
  • A type of deterrent that can be positive/direct e.g. being given detention
  • A deterrent can also be negative/indirect e.g. not being allowed to attend a party
• The consequence of the performed behaviour is known as the reinforcer

  • praise from the teacher is a positive reinforcer
  • a detention is a negative reinforcer