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18: Operant Conditioning

  • Page ID
    75124
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    • 18.1: Introduction
      This page covers operant conditioning, a learning process where behaviors are influenced by their consequences, distinguishing it from classical conditioning. It highlights B.F. Skinner's contributions and the law of effect proposed by Edward Thorndike. Key concepts include positive and negative reinforcement that enhance behaviors, and positive and negative punishment that reduce them.
    • 18.2: Reinforcement
      This page examines the role of positive reinforcement in behavior change, exemplified by rewarding children for tasks like cleaning their room and a reading incentive for second graders. It underscores that rewards promote desirable actions and references B.F. Skinner's work in operant conditioning, including his teaching machine.
    • 18.3: Punishment
      This page explains the distinction between negative reinforcement, which increases behavior, and punishment, which decreases it. It details two punishment types: positive (adding an aversive stimulus) and negative (removing a desirable stimulus), while noting the potential negative consequences of punishment, such as fear and aggression.
    • 18.4: Primary And Secondary Reinforcers
      This page discusses the role of reinforcers in strengthening learning and behavior. It differentiates between primary reinforcers, which satisfy innate needs, and secondary reinforcers that derive value from association. Behavior modification techniques, such as sticker charts and time-outs, are highlighted for promoting positive behaviors in children by rewarding desirable actions.
    • 18.5: Reinforcement Schedules
      This page explains reinforcement schedules in operant conditioning, focusing on continuous and partial reinforcement. Continuous reinforcement quickly establishes new behaviors through rewards, while partial reinforcement, including fixed and variable schedules, is used to maintain learned behaviors.
    • 18.6: Cognition And Latent Learning
      This page discusses Edward C. Tolman's research on latent learning in rats, which challenged behaviorist views by highlighting the role of cognition in learning without immediate rewards. It also examines the effects of gambling on brain chemistry, suggesting cognitive and biological factors in compulsive behavior. Additionally, key references in behavioral psychology are listed, showcasing foundational studies by B.F.


    This page titled 18: Operant Conditioning was last modified on Tue, 08 Sep 2026 06:17:58 GMT and is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Kate Votaw via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.