Operant Conditioning Explained: Skinner’s Box, Reinforcement, and Examples

    B.F Skinner Theory of Operant Conditioning 

  B.F. Skinner’s Operant Conditioning Theory: Key Concepts & Applications

 He gave operant conditioning theory, which is also known as ‘R’ Type theory or ‘S-R Type theory”.

his experiment on rat and pigeons are famous.

the experiment is applicable to behaviour of people also.

rewards and punishments control the great majority of human behaviour.

What is Operant Conditioning? (Introduction)

Operant conditioning is the method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishment for behaviour.

Skinner’s Box Experiment: The Rat and the Lever

BF Skinner has a special device called Skinner Box. When the hungry mouse pushes the lever, the feeding mechanism is activated, a constant light and sound are heard, and a small ball of food is set to be sent to the cup. The click was a sign that the rat would be rewarded for going out for food. The rat gets reward as food, on each proper response pressing to the lever, which makes the rat to repeat the same behaviour again and again. So, the mouse has learned to press the lever.

 Types of Reinforcement and Punishment

 Positive reinforcement

This occurs when a stimulus is presented as a result of an action and the action is more likely to occur in a similar context.

The rats learned to go straight to the lever after some attempts. Here, getting food is positive reinforcement for rat.

Negative reinforcement

The removal of an unpleasant reinforce can also strengthen behaviour.

Type	Action	Effect on Behavior	Example
Positive Reinforcement	Adding a reward	Increases Behavior	Giving a star for good homework.
Negative Reinforcement	Removing an unpleasant stimulus	Increases Behavior	Stopping a loud alarm when a task is done.
Punishment	Adding a penalty	Decreases Behavior	Deducting marks for late submission.

Educational Implications of Skinner’s Theory

Results of a reaction are a wellspring of inspiration to additional event of that conduct. For E.g., prize, acclaim and so on The school can use the principles of operant conditioning to eliminate the elements of fear by using positive reinforcement.The most effective development this theory has worked on is the development of educational and learning machines. According to this theory, learning occurs when a textbook is designed to be less likely to fail and more likely to succeed. Teachers must provide immediate feedback on learning accuracy so that students can “learn at their own pace”.

 Practice Quiz: 10 Important MCQs

Q1. In Operant Conditioning, what determines if a behavior will be repeated? a) The initial stimulus

b) The consequences following the behavior

c) Biological instinct

d) The social environment

Q2. Stopping a loud, annoying alarm by buckling a seatbelt is an example of: a) Positive Reinforcement

b) Negative Reinforcement

c) Positive Punishment

d) Extinction

Q3. B.F. Skinner's theory is also known as 'R-Type' theory because it focuses on: a) Reasoning b) Responses c) Rewards d) Reflection

Q4. The 'Skinner Box' was primarily used to study: a) Classical Conditioning b) Operant Conditioning c) Social Learning d) Insightful Learning

Q5. According to Skinner, 'Positive' means: a) Something good b) Adding a stimulus c) Removing a stimulus d) Decreasing behavior

Q6. Which of these is a result of Operant Conditioning in classrooms? a) Discovery Learning b) Programmed Instruction c) Silent Reading d) Rote Memorization

Q7. When a behavior stops because the reward is no longer given, it is called: a) Generalization b) Discrimination c) Extinction d) Recovery

Q8. A 'Secondary Reinforcer' is effective because it is associated with: a) A Primary Reinforcer (like food) b) A Punishment c) A Negative Stimulus d) A Teacher

Q9. Skinner believed that Punishment is less effective than Reinforcement because: a) It is too mean b) It only suppresses behavior temporarily c) It is hard to implement d) It increases intelligence

Q10. "Learning at one's own pace" is a concept supported by: a) Pavlov b) Skinner c) Watson d) Kohler

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Answer Key

1. (b) | 2. (b) | 3. (b) | 4. (b) | 5. (b)

2. (b) | 7. (c) | 8. (a) | 9. (b) | 10. (b)