*NOTE: Only superb and marvelous ETEC 512 students will read this entirely!
Burrhus Frederic (B.F.) Skinner - 1904~1990
B.F. Skinner developed the theory of operant conditioning which focused on studying observable behaviour rather than internal mental events. According to McLeod (2007), "Skinner believed that the best way to understand behaviour is to look at the causes of an action and its consequences." This theory was based on Thorndike's Law of Effect.
Skinner differentiated from the other two major contributors to this theory (Watson and Pavlov) in that behaviour operated on the environment and it was not controlled by its effects. Vargas (2005) notes that he "discovered that the rate with which the rat pressed the bar depended not on any preceding stimulus (as Watson and Pavlov had insisted), but on what followed the bar presses. "
Skinner differentiated from the other two major contributors to this theory (Watson and Pavlov) in that behaviour operated on the environment and it was not controlled by its effects. Vargas (2005) notes that he "discovered that the rate with which the rat pressed the bar depended not on any preceding stimulus (as Watson and Pavlov had insisted), but on what followed the bar presses. "
Skinner studied mice and pigeons. In this video, he elaborates on the connection between these animals and humans.
What is Operant Conditioning Exactly?
Operant conditioning is the changing of behaviour by the use of reinforcement. This reinforcement is given after the desired response. Skinner determined that there are three types of operants or responses:
Operant conditioning is the changing of behaviour by the use of reinforcement. This reinforcement is given after the desired response. Skinner determined that there are three types of operants or responses:
- Reinforcers: Environmental responses (positive or negative) that increase the probability of a behaviour being repeated.
- Neutral Operants: Environmental responses have no effect on the probability of behaviour being repeated.
- Punishers: Environmental responses that decrease the potential of a behaviour being repeated. Simply stated, punishment differs from reinforcers because they weaken the behaviour.
Examples of These Operants in Practice
Discussion
*NOTE: By responding to the discussion below, you'll be rewarded by taking a new step in your social media evolution!
So now that we are well-versed in the theories of behaviourism and constructivism, do you think educators could have one without the other in their practice? Can a classroom operate on constructivism alone? If so, then how is desired behaviour regulated without behaviourism? Do you think that thoughts or opinions would differ amongst early childhood, early elementary, middle years, high school, or post-secondary educators?
Please click here to post your response:
Illustrations Sourced From:
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(1) <http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/cross-check/files/2012/06/skinner.jpg>
(2) <http://www.simplypsychology.org/skinner%20box.jpg>
(3) <http://blog.wsd.net/jreeve/files/2010/06/behaviorism1.jpg>
(4) <https://plus.google.com/107181236611121032050/posts/6ftQaftGhRB>
__________________
(1) <http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/cross-check/files/2012/06/skinner.jpg>
(2) <http://www.simplypsychology.org/skinner%20box.jpg>
(3) <http://blog.wsd.net/jreeve/files/2010/06/behaviorism1.jpg>
(4) <https://plus.google.com/107181236611121032050/posts/6ftQaftGhRB>