COGNITIVE APPROACH - Operant Conditioning (Skinner)

11 important questions on COGNITIVE APPROACH - Operant Conditioning (Skinner)

What is operant conditioning?

Operant conditioning involves increasing or decreasing a behavior by adding a consequence. Reinforcements or consequences can be positive or negative. Example: "Skinner Box" with a rat pressing a lever.

What are the control variables in the study?

  • Environment: same type of Skinner box for all rats.
  • Deprivation level: similar degree of food deprivation.
  • Type and amount of reinforcement: same pellet type and quantity.
  • Species and health: similar strain of rats, housing, and care.

What is Thorndike's Law of Effect?

Thorndike's Law of Effect -> Any behaviour followed by a positive consequence will likely be repeated.
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What is the aim of Skinner's Operant Conditioning Study?

The aim is to investigate how different types of reinforcement (such as food rewards) influence the frequency of a rat's lever-pressing behavior.

Describe the procedures used in the study.

  • Place a food-deprived rat into a Skinner box.
  • Allow the rat to explore; it presses the lever.
  • A food pellet is delivered (positive reinforcement).
  • Record lever presses over time.
  • Observe learning and rate stabilization.
  • Vary reinforcement schedules to observe changes.

What type of research was conducted in Skinner's study?

Laboratory experiment in a controlled operant conditioning chamber (Skinner box). Experimental method with manipulated consequences (reward/no reward) and measured behavior (lever presses).

What sampling method was used in Skinner's study?

Opportunity/convenience sample of laboratory animals (rats, pigeons) available in the research setting. Animals were generally similar in species, age, and health to reduce variability.

Write your own example of operant or classical conditioning.

  • Operant conditioning: A child cleaning their room to earn an allowance (positive reinforcement) or to avoid losing screen time (negative reinforcement).
  • Classical conditioning: Feeling hungry or salivating when you walk past a restaurant.

What is the significance of different reinforcement schedules in the study?

Different reinforcement schedules produce varied response patterns. This demonstrates how behaviour is shaped with the presence of consequences. .

What is the independent variable (IV) in Skinner's study?

The presence or absence (and schedule) of food reinforcement given after the rat presses the lever.

What is the dependent variable (DV) in Skinner's study?

The number of lever presses (rate of lever-pressing) in a given period of time.

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