The Nature of Operant Conditioning

Front

What is operant conditioning?

Back

A type of learning where behavior is controlled by consequences.

Front

What happens to the frequency of a behavior if the consequence is relevant to the subject?

Back

The frequency will increase.

Front

What is Thorndike’s Puzzle Box?

Back

A device used to study animal learning.

Front

What is positive reinforcement?

Back

A process where the subject receives something they want, increasing the likelihood of a behavior.

Front

What is punishment in the context of operant conditioning?

Back

A method of discipline used to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.

Front

Define negative reinforcement.

Back

The removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior.

Front

What is the difference between reinforcement and punishment?

Back

Reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior, while punishment decreases it.

Front

What is a primary reinforcer?

Back

A stimulus that is naturally rewarding, such as food or water.

Front

What is a secondary reinforcer?

Back

A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through association with primary reinforcers, like money.

Front

Explain the concept of shaping in operant conditioning.

Back

Gradually guiding behavior toward a desired goal by reinforcing successive approximations.