3.6 Operant Conditioning

Learning through consequences

Operant conditioning is learning where behavior is shaped by its consequences. B.F. Skinner built on Thorndike's law of effect: behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are strengthened, while those followed by unpleasant consequences are weakened. Unlike classical conditioning's involuntary responses, operant conditioning involves voluntary behaviors that an organism actively performs to produce an outcome.

Reinforcement vs. punishment

Reinforcement increases a behavior; punishment decreases it. Positive means adding a stimulus; negative means removing one. Positive reinforcement adds something pleasant (treat for a trick); negative reinforcement removes something unpleasant (aspirin removes pain); positive punishment adds something aversive (scolding); negative punishment removes something desirable (taking away phone privileges).

Schedules of reinforcement

Continuous reinforcement (every response rewarded) produces fast learning but quick extinction. Partial (intermittent) schedules produce slower learning but stronger resistance to extinction. Fixed-ratio (reward after set number of responses) and variable-ratio (unpredictable number, like slot machines) yield high response rates; fixed-interval and variable-interval schedules depend on time passed, with variable-interval producing steady, slow responding.

Key terms

Operant conditioning

Learning in which voluntary behavior is strengthened or weakened by its consequences.

Law of effect

Thorndike's principle that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are strengthened; those followed by unpleasant ones are weakened.

Positive vs. negative reinforcement

Positive reinforcement adds a pleasant stimulus; negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant one — both increase behavior.

Fixed-ratio schedule

Reinforcement given after a set number of responses (e.g., a bonus after every 10 sales).

Variable-interval schedule

Reinforcement given after unpredictable amounts of time; produces slow, steady response rates (e.g., checking for a text).

Try an AP-style question

What is this?

1. Negative reinforcement
2. Negative punishment
3. Positive punishment
4. Positive reinforcement