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“Concept of reinforcement” is an important element of:
  • a)
    Classical conditioning theory of learning
  • b)
    Operant conditioning theory of learning
  • c)
    Gestalt theory of learning
  • d)
    Trial and error theory of learning
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
“Concept of reinforcement” is an important element of:a)Classical cond...
B. F. Skinner
, an American psychologist, propounded the 
"Theory of Operant Conditioning" 
which is also known as "Theory of Reinforcement" and "Instrumental Conditioning  Theory".
  • This theory refers to the learning process where learning takes place through 
    rewarding a certain behaviour or withholding reward for undesirable behaviour
    .
  • Skinner emphasizes that a person or animal tends to ‘repeat’ behaviour which has been ‘rewarded’ (positively reinforced), or tends to ‘stop’ which has been ‘punished’ (negatively reinforced).
Key Points
Reinforcement:
  • Much of human learning could be explained with the help of the operant conditioning method. The role of reinforcement is very crucial in operant conditioning. It can be positive or negative. 
  • For example, parents and other authorities attempt to discourage aggressive behaviours by punishing them and reward for good behaviours.
Let us understand these two types of reinforcement.
  • Positive Reinforcement: 
    • A behaviour that is associated with a positive consequence or 
      desirable outcome
       in the past will increase the chances of the behaviour to occur again. This is called positive reinforcement.
    • For example, Irfan, a new manager in a company, began praising workers for submitting their reports on time. In a couple of weeks, this reinforcement by praise greatly increased on-time reports.
  • Negative reinforcement: 
    • Learning can also take place if an 
      undesirable consequence is avoided 
      because of an action taken. This is called negative reinforcement. It can be used for 
      children with Special Needs
      .
    • For example,
       if a student does not prepare for exams and gets fail marks (painful) and understands that by preparing for the next exam he can avoid getting fail marks, then we can say he is negatively reinforced to study.
Hence, it could be concluded that ​​“Concept of reinforcement” is an important element of Operant conditioning theory of learning.
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Most Upvoted Answer
“Concept of reinforcement” is an important element of:a)Classical cond...
Concept of Reinforcement in Operant Conditioning
Operant conditioning, developed by B.F. Skinner, emphasizes the role of reinforcement in shaping behavior. Here’s a detailed look at why the concept of reinforcement is crucial in this theory:
Definition of Reinforcement
- Reinforcement refers to any consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.
- It can be positive (adding a pleasant stimulus) or negative (removing an unpleasant stimulus).
Role of Reinforcement in Learning
- Behavior Shaping: Reinforcement helps in shaping desired behaviors by providing rewards or removing aversive stimuli.
- Strengthening Responses: When a behavior is followed by reinforcement, it strengthens the association between the behavior and its consequence, making it more likely to occur in the future.
Types of Reinforcement
- Positive Reinforcement: Involves presenting a rewarding stimulus after a desired behavior (e.g., praising a child for completing homework).
- Negative Reinforcement: Involves the removal of an unpleasant stimulus when a desired behavior occurs (e.g., turning off a loud alarm when the right action is taken).
Applications of Operant Conditioning
- Education: Teachers use reinforcement to encourage student participation and engagement.
- Behavior Modification: Therapists apply reinforcement strategies to help individuals change undesirable behaviors.
Conclusion
Understanding reinforcement is essential for effectively applying operant conditioning in various fields, including education, psychology, and behavior management. This concept is not a focus in classical conditioning, Gestalt theory, or trial and error learning, making option 'B' the correct answer.
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“Concept of reinforcement” is an important element of:a)Classical conditioning theory of learningb)Operant conditioning theory of learningc)Gestalt theory of learningd)Trial and error theory of learningCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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