Skinner/Thorndike (38/11)

• Thorndike?

  investigated scientifically displayed behaviour by developing puzzle box and opening it via system of levers. hungry cat placed in box with food being outside, learning by trial and error how to open the box.

  • called this the law of effect, if effect of learning is good then behaviour is learnt/repeated.
• how did Skinner develop this?

  used animals in lab. Didn't think trial and error could explain more complex behaviour so wanted to investigate if reinforcements could change/shape behaviour
• Skinner box?

  box contained lever on side and if lever was knocked food pellet is released, so receiving food if pressed lever could repeat behaviour.

  • able to manipulate rats behaviour via reinforcements, positive behaviour (press lever)= food pellet, negative behaviour= electric chock.
• ABC model?

  A= antecedent, stimulus that triggers behaviour. (rat= hungry, so has to find food)

  B= behaviour, response made by organism rat pushes level after signal)

  C= consequence, what happens due to behaviour (food/ electric shock)