The Theory Of Operant Conditioning
Introduction
B.F skinner who was a behaviorist was the first to come up with the term operant conditioning which is basically used to explain the influence of a certain behavior’s consequences on the occurrence of that behavior in future. In this text, I will describe the theory of operant conditioning whilst comparing and contrasting positive and negative reinforcement. Other aspects of operant conditioning I will discuss in this text include but are not limited to the most effective reinforcement form as well as a real life scenario in which I would apply operant conditioning to shape behavior. Lastly, I will develop a reinforcement module for a behavior of my choice.
The theory of Operant conditioning
Operant conditioning which is also known as instrumental conditioning basically denotes a learning process influenced or informed by punishment or reward of behavior. This is the reason why Matthew & Hergenhahn (2009) notes that in operant conditioning, there is a close link between a given behavior and its resulting consequence. With that in mind, it is hence clear that according to operant conditioning, motivations and thoughts that are internalized cannot be used to explain an individual’s behavior in its entirety. Instead, the theory suggests that the observable, external causes of an individual’s behavior should be taken into consideration.
Positive and negative reinforcement
According to Matthew & Hergenhahn (2009), a consequence that increases the frequency of occurrence in a given behavior is called a reinforcement. When it comes to positive reinforcement, the consequence of experiencing a condition that can be regarded as positive strengthens a given behavior. In contrast, when it comes to negative reinforcement, the consequence of avoiding a condition that can be considered negative strengthens a given behavior (Matthew & Hergenhahn 2009). However, in comparison, both positive as well as negative reinforcement result in a behavior increase. Skinner used what is known as a box experiment to explain both negative reinforcement and positive reinforcement.
In positive reinforcement, the engagement of rat in the target behavior like a lever press would result in the delivery of a sugar solution or food which acted as stimulus. In negative reinforcement, an extremely loud noise would be played inside the cage of a given rat until it undertakes the behavior that is targeted. On engaging in that behavior which is targeted i.e. a lever press, the loud noise is cut out.
The most effective reinforcement
In my opinion, the most effective reinforcement is positive reinforcement. In this kind of reinforcement, a display of the target behavior is rewarded. That is, a given behavior is met with a stimulus that is regarded as favorable. This ends up strengthening the behavior in question. In my own opinion, this is by far the most effective reinforcement as people have a tendency to act in a given way when there is a benefit that accrues to them.
This is a scenario played out in most work situations where employees can be motivated to perform better or be more productive through motivation. Managers have been known to use pay increases, promises of promotions or bonuses to stimulate favorable employee performance. This is a practical example of positive reinforcement and it has been proven to work because basically, it is the human nature to seek that which is favorable.
A practical scenario where I would apply operant conditioning to shape behavior
In a real life scenario, I would apply operant conditioning to shape of enhance the performance of my younger siblings. Here, I could ensure I reward them wit a present i.e. a bicycle, a trip, a good story book or any other item they may desire each time they perform well in school. Here, my siblings will always engage in the target behavior, which is, working hard and consequently improving their school grades. This is a good example of positive reinforcement in practice.
Consequently, I can use negative reinforcement to enhance the performance of my siblings in school. Here, I can eliminate what they like most i.e. watching television until they improve their performance in school. Here, I would only remove the negative stimulus i.e. the TV restriction once they display better performance.
Reinforcement schedule
For purposes of reinforcing my selected behavior, I would use continuous reinforcement. In this case, my selected behavior is bettering the performance of my siblings. Here, each time one of the siblings brings better or improved grades home, I will ensure I reward him or her by availing a predetermined gift or present. For boys, I could buy them truck toys or take them out to the zoo. For girls, I could buy them dolls or fancy pair of shoes.
In this case, I would use the continuous reinforcement schedule for the initial stages of learning to initiate a veritable ling with regard to the behavior and response. It is only after succeeding in this stage that I will shift to the partial reinforcement schedule.
Conclusion
It is important to note that operant conditioning is distinct from classical conditioning. While operant conditioning is involved with modifying behavior that can be said to be voluntary, classical conditioning is involved with respondent behavior conditioning influenced by conditions which in one way or the other can be regarded as antecedent.
References
Matthew H. Olson & B. R. Hergenhahn (2009). An Introduction to Theories of Learning, 8thEdition. Prentice Hall.
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