PSYA01H3 Lecture 16: Learning: Operant Conditioning
PSYA01 – Lecture 16: Learning –Operant Conditioning
Classical Conditioning – CS predicts UCS; builds on existing SR relations + ASSOCIATION
OPERANT CONDITIONING:
Operant Conditioning – behaving in way X w/in context Y leads to. Can create complete new SR
relations (Skinner) evolving over time.
- Operant – refers to notion that humans learn from operating on their environment. We behave,
then note consequences + use them to modulate future behaviour
o Edward Thorndike – famous cat torturer; his early research focused on ‘learning by trial
+ accidental success.”
Created puzzle boxes, stuck a cat that needs figure out how to do certain things
so that doors will open. Measures how long cat takes to escape (cats have a rich
visual system similar to humans).
Former Law of Effect behaviour that = followed by a positive consequence
will tend to be repeated (similarity to evolution theory)
o B.F. Skinner – behaviour analysis; strongly championed the experimental study of Law
of Effect + made strong claims to its application to human behaviour – Walden two
Invented devices for studying operant conditioning.
Most famous “Skinner Box” operant chamber – allowed experimenter
to control a # of environmental stimuli, allowing him to deliver both
rewards (most typical) or punishment
Rate of Responding – number of responses w/in some period of time; measured
behaviour
Document Summary
Classical conditioning cs predicts ucs; builds on existing sr relations + association. Operant conditioning behaving in way x w/in context y leads to. Can create complete new sr relations (skinner) evolving over time. Operant refers to notion that humans learn from operating on their environment. We behave, then note consequences + use them to modulate future behaviour: edward thorndike famous cat torturer; his early research focused on learning by trial. Created puzzle boxes, stuck a cat that needs figure out how to do certain things so that doors will open. Measures how long cat takes to escape (cats have a rich visual system similar to humans). Former law of effect behaviour that = followed by a positive consequence will tend to be repeated (similarity to evolution theory) B. f. skinner behaviour analysis; strongly championed the experimental study of law of effect + made strong claims to its application to human behaviour walden two.
