1. Operant
Conditioning
Lecture

2. Learning Perspective
• Behaviorism: Emphasizes
the study of observable
behaviors and events
and the predictable role
of environment in
causing behavior.
– Biology sets limits, but
environment is more
influential
Goetgheluck, Science Photo Library,
2012

3. Operant Conditioning
• Type of learning in which a
person repeats a behavior
that has been reinforced or
ceases a behavior that has
punished.
Cappagh Parish, Derry Diocese, Ireland “Patience”
April 4,2012via Google images , Creative Commons
Attribution.

4. Reinforcement
Stimulus Response
Punishment

5. Operant Conditioning
• Reinforcement: stimulus
followed by behavior
that increases the
probability the behavior
will be repeated.
– Positive
– Negative
Pets | © 2006-2012 Clarity Digital
Group LLC d/b/a

6. Operant Conditioning
• Punishment: stimulus followed by behavior
which decreases the probability that the
behavior will be repeated.
– Positive : Introducing an aversive event
– Negative: Withdrawing a positive event

7. Huitt & Hummel (1997).

8. Resources
Cappagh Parish, Derry Diocese, Ireland “Patience” uploaded April 4,2012 via Google images ,
Creative Commons Attribution from http://www.cappaghparish.com/160809.htm
Clarity Digital Group LLC d/b/a, Pets , 2006-2012, What is operant conditioning? - National animal
training uploaded April 5, 2012 via Google images . Retrieved from,
Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/animal-training-in-national/what-is-operant-
conditioning#ixzz1rH7Ytgb1
Goetgheluck P. ( 2012) “ White Laboratory Rat”, Science Photo Library, uploaded April 4, 2012 via
Google images. Retrieved from, http://www.sciencephoto.com/media/385783/enlarge#
Huitt, W., & Hummel, J. (1997). An introduction to operant (instrumental) conditioning.
Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Uploaded April 5,
2012 via Google images. Retrieved from,
http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/behsys/operant.html
Wade, C. & Tavris, C. ( 2008). Invitation to Psychology. (5th ed.) New York: Prentice-Hall.