Operant Conditioned Learning Theory
Lakhvir Khosa
ANALYSIS OF THEORY USING APPLICATION
Inquiry Question
The application of parenting in relation to child development and how it coheres with operant conditioned learning.
THEORY INFORMATION
What is it?
EXPERIMENTS
Thorndike's Experiment
Edward L. Thorndike conducted studies of problem solving in cats. A hungry cat was placed in a small cage with food available right outside the cage. The cat would escape to obtain the food by performing a specific response. After each escape the cat was reward a treat and then put back into the cage. The cat was monitored to see how long it would take for the cat to escape.
B.F. Skinner’s “Skinner Box” Experiment
The “Skinner Box” was a simple device for studying the effects of reinforcers on lab rats/pigeons. Skinner also called it an “operant chamber”. It was essentially a box with a lever for the animal to use so it could obtain food. The device could be set to control timing and frequency of the reinforcements.
Thorndike’s “Law of Effect”
This is basically what Operant Conditioned Learning is, which is when a response in the presence of a stimulus leads to satisfying effects and the association between the stimulus and the response is strengthened. This includes Escape Learning and Avoidance Learning.
TYPES OF LEARNING (AVERSIVE CONTROL)
Escape Learning
It is when the organism acquires a response that decreases or ends some aversive stimulation. For example, when a baby starts to cry as an escape method when someone unfamiliar is carrying so they can return to someone more familiar, perhaps their mother or father.
Avoidance Learning
It is when the organism acquires a response that avoids some aversive stimulation from occurring. For example, when a child is scared of the dark so he/she avoids going into dark area and just stay in well lighted areas or unless they are with someone they know or perhaps a parent.
REAL LIFE APPLICATION OF THEORY
Parenting & Child Development
REINFORCEMENTS & PUNISHMENTS
Positive Reinforcement (+ / +)
Add positive reinforcement to strengthen/continue the behaviour.
Ex. Joey's parents rewarded him a toy for doing well in school.
Specific Reinforcement from the scenario:
- Joey receives a toy
Specific Behaviour from the scenario:
- Joey continues to do well in school
Negative Reinforcement (- / -)
Remove negative reinforcement to strengthen/continue the behaviour.
Ex. Joey cleans up after himself so his mother doesn’t start nagging.
Specific Reinforcement from the scenario:
- Joey avoids his mother nagging
Specific Behaviour from the scenario:
- Joey cleans up after himself
Positive Punishment (+ / -)
Add negative reinforcement to weaken/stop the behaviour.
Specific Reinforcement from the scenario:
- Joey gets yelled at
Specific Behaviour from the scenario:
- Joey becomes more careful with his glass
Negative Punishment (- / +)
Remove positive reinforcement to weaken/stop the behaviour.
Specific Reinforcement from the scenario:
- Joey’s games are taken away
Specific Behaviour from the scenario:
- Joey stops coming home late