Introduction to Operant Conditioning - An Overview

The term operant conditioning refers to the process by which the consequences of an action affect the likelihood that the action will occur again: that is, it refers to one of the processes by which experience alters subsequent behavior. Consequences may make behavior more likely to occur in the future (reinforcement), or less likely in the future (punishment). Operant conditioning functions to produce behavior that appears purposive, or voluntary in character (Branch & Kazdin 2002).

Operant Conditioning on The Big Bang Theory

Classical Conditioning on "The Office"

Aspects and Types

Reinforcement is a consequence that causes a behavior to occur with greater frequency.
Punishment is a consequence that causes a behavior to occur with less frequency.
Extinction is the lack of any consequence following a behavior.

Examples of Reinforcement and Punishment (Positive & Negative)

• Positive reinforcement: Giving candy to a child for picking up the toys.
  
• Negative reinforcement: Being nagged on by a spouse to take out the garbabe - and taking out the garbage to stop the nagging.
• Positive punishment: Reprimanding your child for running into the street.
• Negative punishment: Taking away a child's television privileges for "talking-back" to a parent.

Distinguishing between "positive" and "negative" can be challenging. The following videos may help to make some sense of it all (or some of it, at least).

Applications in Instructional Design

Click here to read an article describing Skinner's theory applied to programmed instruction. Skim through it's content while giving more attention to p.3, which references computer-based instruction and the growth of learning with technology.

Considerations of Operant Conditioning

• Size: Cost-benefit factor of if an action or consequence will be effective or useful. If the results is benefial enough, the effort may be worth the risk.

• Immediacy: Effectiveness of the consequences is based on how soon after an action the results occur.

• Satiation: The consequence is minimal if the total satisfactory amount of the result is achieved for the individual.

• Deprivation: The consequence is maximized if the individual is deprived of the desired result.

• Contingency: The consequence must be consistent in order to be effective in regards to the desired result

In Conclusion

Operant conditioning can be applied in several ways in the learning environment. When an instructor has the ability to discern between what best suits a student – whether in regards to reinforcement, punishment, or other factors – they have a path to reach him/her and success in learning skills and ideas. Thus, its application can enhance these environments and students’ knowledge, and is a fantastic tool for education.

This concludes our blog presentation. Now, head on back to the discussion thread and share your thoughts to the questions provided. See you there!