Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Skinner's Operant Conditioning. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 9 page paper. Most of this paper describes operant conditioning, including definition, reinforcement, reinforcement schedules and the use of this process for self-management, self-monitoring and self-reinforcing. The last couple pages discuss using systematic desensitization with an agoraphobic. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Page Count:
9 pages (~225 words per page)
File: MM12_PGskaf.RTF
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
operant means that all organisms operate on their environments (Boeree, 2006: PageWise, Inc., 2002). Skinner also believed that any behavior or any action that a human or person performs has
a consequence and that consequence occurs naturally within the specific environment where the action was performed (PageWise, Inc., 2002). This process of action and consequence is referred to as operant
conditioning (PageWise, Inc., 2002). As Sharpe (2007) said, Skinners theory is based on common sense. We all know we respond positively to reinforcement. We respond to what is happening in
our environment and we associate our own behaviors with how the environment reacts and responds (Sharpe, 2007). The foundations of operant conditioning are rewards and punishments. Skinner (n.d.) 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." The consequence is
the reward or punishment that immediately follows the behavior. Skinner (n.d.) makes a point to explain that the consequence is not simply a matter of trial-and-error behaviors and learning, it
is systematic (Skinner, n.d.). He offers an example of a rat in a box where a bit of food is automatically delivered into a tray. The rat will associate the
sound of the food dropping and will begin to go to the tray as soon as it hears that sound (Skinner, n.d.). A small lever is next to the tray
and it is moved up so that if the rat moves the lever downward, food will be dispensed. As soon as the rat accidentally moves the lever in the correct
position, it gets food so it will then press repeatedly on the lever to get more food (Skinner, n.d.). The rat did not learn from any type of trial-and-error, because
...