“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".
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:
Hence, it could be concluded that “Concept of reinforcement” is an important element of Operant conditioning theory of learning.
View all questions of this test
“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.