CP PSYCHOLOGY
CHAPTER 2
Learning Theories
Operant Conditioning (2Q2)
Operant Conditioning:
learning from the
consequences of behavior
(operates on the environment)
BF Skinner is most closely
associated with this system of
rewards and punishments
Operant Conditioning (2Q2)
Reinforcement: an event or
stimulus that increases the
chance a recent behavior will
be repeated
Schedules of Reinforcement:
The timing and frequency of
reinforcement
Continuous Schedule:
reinforces every time the
desired behavior occurs
Skinner Box
Operant Conditioning (2Q2)
Partial Schedule: reinforcing behavior intermittently to
make it more predictable and last longer
Four Basic Partial Schedules: Two based on time
intervals, two based on number of responses
- Fixed-Ratio Schedule: reinforcement depends on a
fixed quantity of responses
- Variable-Ratio Schedule: number of responses
required varies from one time to the next
- Fixed-Interval Schedule: reinforces the first
response after a fixed time has elapsed
- Variable-Interval Schedule: the time at which
reinforcement becomes available changes
Operant Conditioning (2Q2)
Effects of Different Reinforcement Schedules
- Fixed-Ratio: Organism responds at high steady rate …
Ex. Piecework type jobs
- Variable-Ratio: Organism responds at very high rate.
Hard to extinguish. Ex. Gamblers in Casino
- Fixed-Interval: Slow, steady responding … gets faster
near reinforcement time. Ex. Schoolwork
- Variable-Interval: Slowest but steady responding …
doesn’t vary much over time. Ex. E-mail
Operant Conditioning (2Q2)
Number of
responses
1000
Fixed Ratio
Variable Ratio
Fixed Interval
750
Rapid responding
near time for
reinforcement
500
Variable Interval
250
Steady responding
0
10
20
30
40
50
Time (minutes)
60
70
80
Operant Conditioning (2Q2)
• Primary Reinforcer: satisfies a basic, natural need, such
as hunger, thirst etc.
• Secondary Reinforcer: a conditioned reinforcer that
was previously a neutral stimulus
• Stimuli associated with rewards or punishments often
become signals for particular behavior
Operant Conditioning (2Q2)
•Aversive Control: unpleasant events or
consequences are used to influence behavior
•Negative Reinforcement:
Painful/unpleasant stimulus is removed or
not applied in order to elicit behavior
•Escape Conditioning: Correct behavior
causes an unpleasant event to stop
•Avoidance Conditioning: Correct
behavior prevents unpleasant stimulus
from being applied
Operant Conditioning (2Q2)
Operant Conditioning (2Q2)
Punishment: Unpleasant
consequence is applied in
order to decrease or
eliminate undesired
behavior
•Punishment can produce
unwanted side effects such
as rage, aggression and
fear.
Operant Conditioning (2Q2)