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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 4 page paper that begins with definitions. Skinner’s operant conditioning theory is explained and discussed. The writer explains what negative reinforcement is as compared to positive reinforcement and gives an example. The paper also discusses reinforcement schedules. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Page Count:
4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: ME12_PGskn10.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
listed below. Citation styles constantly change, and these examples may not contain the most recent updates.?? OPERANT CONDITIONING
, June 2010 properly! B.F. Skinner expanded and modified Pavlovs conditioning theory to take into consideration the
effect the environment has on a persons behavior. In fact, the term operant means that all organisms operate on their environments (Boeree, 2006). Skinner also believed that all actions have
consequences and the consequence occurs naturally within the environment where the behavior is performed. This process of action, then consequence is referred to as operant conditioning. Sharpe (2007) said that
Skinners theory is based on common sense. We really do respond to what is happening in our environment and our behaviors change based on how the environment reacts and responds
to what we do. The foundation for operant conditioning is reinforcement and punishment. Skinner (2010) said, "it has long been known that behavior is affected by its consequences.
We reward and punish people, for example, so that they will behave in different ways." Whatever happens immediately after the behavior is the consequence, it may be rewarding or punishing.
If it is rewarding, it is a reinforcer and will sustain or increase the behavior. If it is punishing, it will decrease or eliminate that behavior. Skinner identified positive reinforcement
and negative reinforcement. This is a concept that is frequently misunderstood. The term negative reinforcement sounds like an oxymoron because we generally think of reinforcement only in terms of the
positive. Skinner (2010) explains that a positive reinforcer reinforces when it is given to a person who has just done something. A negative reinforcer reinforces when something is taken away.
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