Operant Conditioning
Also called: operant learning, instrumental conditioning
Definition
Learning in which the future frequency of a behavior is changed by its consequences. Behavior that is followed by reinforcement becomes more likely; behavior followed by punishment or by no consequence becomes less likely. Almost everything a behavior plan does relies on operant relations.
In plain language
Learning from what happens after you act. Behavior that pays off happens more; behavior that does not pay off happens less.
Example
A learner who gets a laugh for a joke tells more jokes. The consequence changed the behavior.
Not operant conditioning
A learner's eyes water when an onion is cut. That is a reflex, not something shaped by consequences.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- skinner-1953
Written from Skinner (1953). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.