The Importance Of Operant Conditioning

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Operant conditioning is the learning of various behaviors, which are occurring from specific environment (Jenkins, 1979). Also, these behaviors are associated with voluntary responses and consequences. Operant conditioning features a behavior and outcome relationship, and simply consists of a punishment or reward system. Learning strengthens if followed by reinforcing or diminishing behavior by punishment through voluntary responses. Reinforcement increases the probability that the preceding action will repeat in the future (Kucker, 2-23-16). Punishment decreases the probability that the preceding action will repeat in the future (Kucker, 2-23-16). Positive reinforcement is the addition of something to change the subject’s behavior, and negative …show more content…

Two psychologists have proved this hypothesis. Edward Thorndike did this through his cat puzzle box experiment by rewarding a cat with food whenthe cat solves the puzzle box (Thorndike, 1901). B.F. Skinner also provided an experiment of the Skinner box a where the rat learns to take food after positive reinforcement (Schacter, 2011).
In the operant conditioning, the schedule assessment is important to amplify the behavioral changes. Continuous schedule reinforcement offers reinforcement at every occurrence of the behavior of a subject (Kucker, 2-23-16). For instance, each time a dogs sits down through the owner’s order, the owner gives it treats. However, partial schedule reinforcement is occasionally reinforcing the behavior. Partial reinforcement is divided into a fixed ratio, fixed interval, and …show more content…

Therefore, in this case, operant conditioning may work to change behavior effectively. Moreover, neurologically, the hippocampus is directly related to memorization; it helps consolidation and the strengthening of the synapses (Marshall, 2007). Sleep will be helpful for the consolidation of memory. Therefore, if students are rewarded for a distributed schedule of behavior, such as daily study habits and regular sleep schedule, then through positive reinforcement and positive punishment, then the students’ grades should

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