Operant conditioning, sometimes called instrumental conditioning, is a type of learning that focuses on how the consequences of our actions influence our behavior. It’s based on the principle that behaviors that lead to positive outcomes are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors that lead to negative outcomes or no outcome at all are less likely to be repeated.
Key Players
- The Organism: the individual or animal whose behavior is being studied.
- The Behavior: the specific action we’re interested in observing.
- The Consequence: the outcome that follows the behavior.
Types of Consequences
Consequences can be either positive or negative, and they can either strengthen or weaken a behavior.
- Positive Reinforcement: This occurs when a desirable outcome follows a behavior, making the behavior more likely to be repeated in the future. Imagine a dog receiving a treat every time it sits on command.
- Negative Reinforcement: This occurs when an undesirable outcome is removed after a behavior, making the behavior more likely to be repeated.
- Punishment: This occurs when an undesirable outcome follows a behavior, making the behavior less likely to be repeated. Scolding a child for drawing on the walls is an example.
- Extinction: This occurs when a behavior that was previously reinforced is no longer followed by any consequence (positive or negative), leading to the behavior weakening and eventually disappearing.
Shaping Behavior
Operant conditioning can be used to “shape” behavior by gradually reinforcing closer and closer approximations of the desired behavior. This is often used in animal training, for example, by rewarding a dog for progressively closer attempts at a specific trick.
Overall, operant conditioning is a powerful tool for understanding and influencing behavior. By understanding how consequences shape our actions, we can create environments that promote desired behaviors and discourage unwanted ones.