Jessica Sherburn
LESSON: Operant Conditioning
OBJECTIVES:
 SWBAT define the principles of operant conditioning
 SWBAT apply operant conditioning to real life
 SWBAT recognize the relevance of Skinner’s experiments
RATIONALE:
This lesson utilizes a combination of the course text and a short video to introduce course
material. This will engage students of different learning styles. The Big Bang Theory clip is
especially useful because many students will probably be familiar with the show, and it
demonstrates a very common misconception about psychology terms.
MATERIALS
-Textbooks
-White board and markers
-Skinner video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_ctJqjlrHA
-The Big Bang Theory clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDZCyObMfkA
PROCEDURES:
Teacher Will
1. Assign students to read
the textbook section on
operant conditioning and
B.F. Skinner.
2. Show Skinner video
3. Review Skinner video;
define and give
examples for reward,
punishment, positive
reinforcement, and
negative reinforcement
on the board; focus on
the common
misconception between
negative reinforcement
and punishment
4. Show clip from The Big
Bang Theory, asking
students to think about
how operant conditioning
relates to the clip as they
watch
5. Ask students which
elements of operant
Students Will
Read the textbook section
and take notes. If students
finish early, they can read or
work on other homework.
Watch Skinner video
Take notes as the teacher
writes on the board
Time Frame
15-20 minutes
Watch the clip, keeping in
mind the definitions that were
just written on the board
5 minutes
Answer the teacher’s
questions based on their
About 5 minutes
4 minutes
5 minutes
Jessica Sherburn
conditioning were
represented in the video.
How was Sheldon
modifying Penny’s
behaviors? Which
behaviors were being
reinforced? Were there
any inaccuracies
present? (Rewatch
certain parts if needed)
6. Administer exit ticket and
ask students to explain
the difference between
punishment and negative
reinforcement, as well as
one other thing they have
learned from this lesson
ASSESSMENT
-exit ticket
understanding of the video
(and hopefully recognize that
Sheldon incorrectly labels a
punishment as negative
reinforcement)
Answer exit ticket, leave
class
5 minutes