Define
operant conditioning. Discuss the factors that
influence the course of operant conditioning.
Define operant conditioning. Discuss the factors that influence the course of operant conditioning.
Operant
conditioning refers to the conditioning of behaviours and responses
that are under the control of animals and human beings and are
emitted voluntarily by them. The behaviour is learned, maintained or
changed through its consequences called reinforcers. These refer to a
stimulus or event that increases the probability of the occurrence of
the response. The factors that influence the course of operant
conditioning are as follows:
Type
of reinforcements − Positive reinforcement involves
pleasant consequences that satisfy needs. Negative reinforcement
involves unpleasant and painful consequences that lead to learning
of avoidance.
Number
and quality of reinforcements − The course of operant
conditioning is accelerated by increase in number, amount and
quality of reinforcements.
Schedule
of reinforcement − Continuous reinforcement elicits a
desired response every time during a trial. Intermittent
reinforcement elicits responses only intermittently.
Delay
in the delivery of reinforcement − It results in a poor
level of conditioning and performance.
Operant conditioning refers to the conditioning of behaviours and responses that are under the control of animals and human beings and are emitted voluntarily by them. The behaviour is learned, maintained or changed through its consequences called reinforcers. These refer to a stimulus or event that increases the probability of the occurrence of the response. The factors that influence the course of operant conditioning are as follows:
Type of reinforcements − Positive reinforcement involves pleasant consequences that satisfy needs. Negative reinforcement involves unpleasant and painful consequences that lead to learning of avoidance.
Number and quality of reinforcements − The course of operant conditioning is accelerated by increase in number, amount and quality of reinforcements.
Schedule of reinforcement − Continuous reinforcement elicits a desired response every time during a trial. Intermittent reinforcement elicits responses only intermittently.
Delay in the delivery of reinforcement − It results in a poor level of conditioning and performance.
