STUDY AND THEORY- Skinner's Research - Skinner uses experiments to test his theory of operant conditioning. The insistence on objectivity, control over variables and precise measurement means that he is able to infer cause and effect; reinforcement (type of) increases/decreases a specific response in rats. This
method has many other advantages such as being replicable - an important aspect of scientific research. Skinner's research is viewed as an excellent example of scientific research.
- Skinner's Research - Skinner's research into operant conditioning has made a valuable contribution to society in providing powerful explanations for the development of so many behaviours (both adaptive and maladaptive
behaviours). It has led to the development of treatments, many of them are used today such as token economies for people in institutions.Token economies have produced improvements in self-care and pro-social behaviour, even in chronic, institutionalised schizophrenics. Skinner's research is supported by Paul and Lentz (1977) who found token economies more effective than other hospital management methods. Additionally,
the principles of behaviour modification and shaping is often used to teach individuals with learning difficulties to use the toilet, dress and feed themselves and other social skills.
- Skinner's Research - The simplicity of learning via reinforcement and punishment is a particular strength of Skinner's work, as it allows it to be applied to so many areas of society; family life, workplace and education with very
little training. Parents and teachers frequently use positive reinforcement for encourage and 'condition' desirable behaviour and punishments (detention/grounding) to extinguish undesirable behaviours.
Limitations - Skinner and Operant Conditioning:- Skinner's use of animals is a source of criticism. Whilst conditioning can be observed in rats and
most species, human behaviour is driven by complex emotions and complex thought processes, and so it is impossible for all these processes to be observed. Generalising and applying the findings of rats to humans is problematic; generalisations between humans and animals must be made with caution. His theory may not be very useful in explaining learning in humans, given that cognitions are ignored.
- Ethical issues area further concern
with Skinner's Research. The animals involved were exposed to stressful and harmful conditions. Many would argue that many of his procedures were unnecessary. The adverse conditions that they were exposed to may have affected how they reacted to the experimental situation affecting the validity of the results.
Back to: Learning and Teaching – Unit 2 Contents - 1 Introduction
- 2 Skinner’s Behavioural Theory of Operant Conditioning
- 2.0.1 Neutral Operants
- 2.0.2 Reinforcers
- 2.0.3 Punishers
- 3 Conclusion
IntroductionB.F. Skinner was an American psychologist who contributed significantly to the field of behaviourism. He propounded the operant conditioning theory which is a method of associative learning. Skinner’s theory is based on the law of effect theory
propounded by Thorndike. Operant condition involves the use of repetition in which the behaviour that has received a positive reinforcement (reward) has a probability to be repeated whereas the behaviour which has received a negative reinforcement (punishment) is less likely to be repeated. Skinner is regarded as the father of Operant Conditioning. Similar to Thorndike’s puzzle box, Skinner conducted his experiments on a Skinner Box using animals. Skinner’s Behavioural Theory of Operant ConditioningSkinner proposed three kinds of responses, also referred to as operant, which are as follows. Neutral OperantsNeutral operants refer to environmental responses that do not increase or decrease the probability of repeated behaviour. ReinforcersReinforcers refer to environmental responses that increase the chances of a behavior to be repeated. Reinforcers are of two types – positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement. Positive reinforcement includes a behaviour which is strengthened by rewards while negative reinforcement refers to the strengthening of behaviour through the elimination of unpleasant behaviour. Punishers
Punishers refer to environmental responses that reduce the probability of a behaviour to be repeated. Behaviour is weakened by punishers. ConclusionThe operant conditioning experiment conducted by B.F. Skinner points out that operant conditioning learning is done to notice the operant behavior and the environmental response.
What was B.F. Skinner's contribution to operant conditioning?
The work of Skinner was rooted in a view that classical conditioning was far too simplistic to be a complete explanation of complex human behavior. He believed that the best way to understand behavior is to look at the causes of an action and its consequences. He called this approach operant conditioning.
What was Skinner's inspiration for his operant conditioning study?
Skinner's theory of operant conditioning was largely inspired by Edward Thorndike's work on the Law of Effect which suggested that actions that have a positive outcome are likely to be repeated.
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