Operant conditioning is part of the behaviourist approach; this theory shares the assumptions that all behaviour is learned, that animals learn in the same way as humans and we can unlearn maladaptive behaviour. However, this theory believes we learn through positive and negative reinforcement and positive and negative punishment.
Positive Reinforcement - Something is introduced which encourages behaviour
Negative Reinforcement - Something is removed which encourages behaviour
Positive Punishment - Something is introduced which deters behaviour
Negative Punishment - Something is removed which deters behaviour
