3.8: Operant Conditioning

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Operant Conditioning

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A method of learning that employs rewards and punishments for behavior.

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Law of Effect

Back

The principle that behaviors are modified by their consequences, with rewards strengthening behavior and punishments weakening it.

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Positive Reinforcement

Back

The addition of a rewarding stimulus following a desired behavior, increasing the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

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Negative Reinforcement

Back

The removal of an aversive stimulus following a desired behavior, increasing the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

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Positive Punishment

Back

The addition of an aversive stimulus following an undesired behavior, decreasing the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

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Negative Punishment

Back

The removal of a rewarding stimulus following an undesired behavior, decreasing the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

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Primary Reinforcer

Back

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

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Secondary Reinforcer

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A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through association with a primary reinforcer, such as money or praise.

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Shaping

Back

A process of reinforcing successive approximations to a desired behavior.

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Instinctive Drift

Back

The tendency for an animal to revert to instinctive behaviors that interfere with a conditioned response.