5.2.1.2 Operant Conditioning

• What is operant conditioning?

  A learning process based on consequences
• How does behavior change in operant conditioning?

  It changes based on its consequences
• How do operant conditioning and classical conditioning differ in their processes?

  • Operant Conditioning:
  • Involves voluntary responses learned through consequences
  • Classical Conditioning:
  • Involves involuntary responses associated with stimuli
• What is the difference between operant conditioning and classical conditioning?

  • Operant Conditioning: Behaviour – Consequence
  • Classical Conditioning: Stimulus – Response
• What type of behaviors does operant conditioning focus on?

  Voluntary behaviors
• What is positive reinforcement?

  Adds something positive after a behavior
• What are the key features that differentiate operant conditioning from classical conditioning?

  • Operant Conditioning:
  • Behavior – Consequence
  • Voluntary responses learned
  • Classical Conditioning:
  • Stimulus – Response
  • Involuntary responses associated
• What type of responses are associated in classical conditioning?

  Involuntary responses
• What happens to behaviors that produce unfavorable results in operant conditioning?

  They become less frequent
• What are the key principles of operant conditioning?

  1. Positive Reinforcement
  2. Negative Reinforcement
  3. Punishment
• What is the main difference between operant conditioning and classical conditioning?

  Operant conditioning involves voluntary behavior
• How does operant conditioning influence behavior?

  Favorable outcomes increase behavior repetition
• What happens to a behavior with positive consequences in operant conditioning?

  It becomes more likely to occur
• What is the main focus of operant conditioning?

  Behavior changes based on consequences
• What happens to a behavior with negative consequences in operant conditioning?

  It becomes less likely to occur
• What are the effects of negative and positive reinforcement on behavior?

  • Negative reinforcement:
  • Removes negative stimulus
  • Increases desired behavior
  • Positive reinforcement:
  • Adds positive stimulus
  • Increases desired behavior
• What are the key features that differentiate operant conditioning from classical conditioning?

  | Feature | Operant Conditioning | Classical Conditioning |

  |-------------------|------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|

  | Association | Behaviour – Consequence | Stimulus – Response |

  | Process | Voluntary responses learned | Involuntary responses associated |

  | Example | Studying for rewards | Salivating to food bell sound |
• How does positive reinforcement affect behavior?

  It makes the behavior more likely to occur
• What is punishment in operant conditioning?

  Adds something negative or removes something positive
• How does negative reinforcement affect behavior?

  It makes the behavior more likely to occur
• How does punishment affect behavior?

  It decreases the likelihood of the behavior
• How does negative reinforcement differ from positive reinforcement?

  Negative reinforcement removes negativity, positive adds positivity
• What type of responses are learned in operant conditioning?

  Voluntary responses
• What are the two types of punishment?

  Positive and negative punishment
• What are the types of reinforcement and their effects?

  • Positive Reinforcement: Add positive stimulus → Increases desired behavior
  • Negative Reinforcement: Remove negative stimulus → Increases desired behavior
  • Punishment: Add negative stimulus or remove positive stimulus → Decreases undesired behavior
• What is the definition of punishment in behavior analysis?

  A consequence that decreases behavior likelihood
• What are the potential negative effects of over-reliance on punishment?

  It can increase aggression or fear
• What is a Variable Interval (VI) schedule?

  Reward given at unpredictable times
• What is negative reinforcement?

  Removes something negative after a behavior
• What are the characteristics of each reinforcement schedule type?

  • Fixed Ratio: Consistent pattern, specific number of behaviors
  • Variable Ratio: Unpredictable pattern, varying number of behaviors
  • Fixed Interval: Regular pattern, specific time intervals
  • Variable Interval: Irregular pattern, varying time intervals
• What is the purpose of token economies in therapy?

  To encourage positive behavior in patients
• What is a use of operant conditioning in therapy?

  Token economies motivate positive behavior
• What role do treats play in animal training?

  They reinforce desired behaviors like obedience
• What are the four types of reinforcement schedules?

  1. Fixed Ratio (FR)
  2. Variable Ratio (VR)
  3. Fixed Interval (FI)
  4. Variable Interval (VI)
• What is a Variable Ratio (VR) schedule?

  Reward given after an unpredictable number of behaviors
• What is positive punishment?

  Adding a negative stimulus after a behavior
• What is a Fixed Interval (FI) schedule?

  Reward given at fixed times
• What do reinforcement schedules determine?

  When a reward is given after behavior
• What is the main focus of operant conditioning applications?

  • Rewarding desired actions
  • Shaping behavior through reinforcement
• Compare positive and negative punishment.

  • Positive Punishment: Adds negative stimulus (e.g., scolding)
  • Negative Punishment: Removes positive stimulus (e.g., taking away phone)