Free Operant Conditioning Explained Essay Sample

Psychologists define learning as a process by which practices relatively result in permanent change in potential behaviour. Through our cognition processes, we are able to learn events that are safe and those that are dangerous. Learning in this sense happens without individual experiencing direct events. There are different kinds of learning but chapter 5 focuses on conditioning which is the acquisition of specific patterns of behaviour in the presence of a defined stimuli.

Operant conditioning (instrumental) is among the types of conditioning explained in the book. Operant conditioning involves behaviours that are voluntary rather than behaviours that are triggered by events from outside the body. Operant behaviours are learned and are activated so as to gain reward or to avoid punishment. Unlike classical conditioning, operant behaviours are not automatic reflexes. This type of learning was developed by Edward Lee Thorndike who illustrated factors essential in instrumental conditioning. The factors are operant response and the consequence following behaviour.

Consequences increasing the likelihood of repeating operant behaviours are called reinforcers, while those that decrease chances of repeating operant behaviours are called punishers. Two types of reinforcers were discovered and they include positive and negative reinforcements. Positive reinforcers are pleasant music, food or anything rewarding after behaviour while negative reinforcers remove unpleasant feeling from a situation so that behaviour is repeated. Behaviour is therefore controlled by reinfocers and punishment where punishment involves adding something unpleasant to the environment so as to weaken operant behaviour. Punishment should be swift, sufficient, certain, consistent and must be imposed properly.

Actions followed closely by reinforcement tend to increase chances of repeating the particular action even when the reinforcement was not triggered by any action. Skinner found out that a pigeon repeated a particular action because it was given food. It believed that the action performed, triggered food production. He therefore concluded that humans too learn superstition in the same way thus if we happen to be wearing a particular cloth or jewel when something good happens, we will believe that the clothing (incidental factor) caused the pleasant incident. This will also be directed and elaborated to explain accidents or randomly occurring incidents (reinforcements).

Skinner's exploration of operant conditioning has not only illuminated the dynamics of voluntary behaviors but has also sparked further inquiries into the nuances of reinforcement and punishment. One aspect worth delving into is the concept of schedules of reinforcement, which delineate the timing and pattern of delivering reinforcers. Continuous reinforcement, where every instance of the desired behavior is reinforced, tends to result in rapid learning. However, intermittent or partial reinforcement, where reinforcement is delivered intermittently, often leads to more persistent behavior. Skinner identified various schedules, such as fixed-ratio schedules, where reinforcement occurs after a set number of responses, and variable-interval schedules, where reinforcement is provided after varying time intervals. Understanding these schedules enhances our comprehension of how reinforcement influences behavior over time.

Additionally, the phenomenon of extinction is noteworthy. Extinction occurs when a previously reinforced behavior is no longer followed by a reinforcer, leading to a gradual decline in the occurrence of that behavior. Recognizing the principles of extinction is crucial for understanding how behaviors may diminish if not consistently reinforced. Skinner's work has also spurred discussions on the ethical implications of operant conditioning, especially in terms of behavior modification. The ethical considerations surrounding the use of reinforcement and punishment techniques, particularly in educational and therapeutic settings, are subjects of ongoing debate within the field of psychology.

Furthermore, the concept of shaping, often attributed to B.F. Skinner, involves reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior. Shaping is a powerful tool in behavior modification, allowing for the gradual development of complex behaviors through a series of reinforced steps. This concept extends our understanding of how intricate behaviors can be cultivated through a systematic reinforcement of incremental progress.

In summary, delving into the intricacies of schedules of reinforcement, extinction, ethical considerations, and shaping provides a more comprehensive view of the far-reaching implications of operant conditioning in shaping human behavior. These nuances deepen our understanding and raise important questions about the ethical dimensions of utilizing such principles in various practical applications.

 

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