Paper Topic:

Operant Conditioning

Operant Conditioning

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22 July 2009

Theory

Operant conditioning is based on the premise that behavior can be formed and even modified with the aid of consequences . The main defining difference between operant conditioning and the classical or Pavlovian conditioning is the fact that it is concerned with change or development of voluntary behavior (Kirsch Lynn , 2004 . It is important to note that under operant conditioning the main variable of concern is the environment that is acted upon and is affected

by given variables (Dalla Shors , 2009 . The consequences of the operant therefore play an important role in ensuring that a behavior that has been developed or modified is maintained . Under operant conditioning reinforcement and punishment are the key factors that determine the direction that behavior will be redirected to

Negative Vs Positive Reinforcement

Similarities

The core similarity between positive and negative reinforcement is that they are all aimed at ensuring high frequency of target behavior The use of a stimulus that is introduced into or removed from the environment under consideration is another factor that is shared by the two forms of reinforcement (Wenger , Schmidt Davisson , 2004 . It is important note that the key goal in both forms of reinforcements is to increase the frequency of the expected or observed behavior

Contrast

The key difference between the two modes of reinforcement is the type of stimulus used . In positive reinforcement the stimulus used is favorable and negative reinforcement employs an aversive stimulus...

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