Operant conditioning (Skinner).

The idea

Operant conditioning, associated with Skinner, explains learning as a change in behaviour produced by the consequences that follow it. A performer acts, the response is reinforced or punished, and the likelihood of repeating that response alters. Positive reinforcement adds a pleasant consequence, such as praise or a reward, so a netball shooter who lands a shot and is praised is more likely to repeat the technique. Negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant consequence, for example a coach stops criticism once the correct footwork is shown. Punishment decreases a response by adding an unpleasant consequence. Coaches shape behaviour by reinforcing successive approximations, building a complex skill in stages.

What earns the marks

• Operant conditioning links a response to its consequence, so future behaviour is strengthened or weakened.
• Skinner is the theorist associated with operant conditioning.
• Positive reinforcement adds a pleasant consequence after the desired response, increasing repetition.
• Negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant consequence after the desired response, increasing repetition.
• Punishment decreases the likelihood of a response by adding an unpleasant consequence.
• Shaping reinforces successive approximations of a target skill so a complex action is built in stages.
• Reinforcement should follow the response closely and consistently for learning to be effective.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing negative reinforcement with punishment.

  Put it right: Negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant consequence and increases behaviour, whereas punishment decreases behaviour.

• Believing reinforcement must be a physical reward.

  Put it right: Praise, feedback, approval and removal of criticism all act as reinforcement.

• Thinking operant conditioning explains only simple actions.

  Put it right: Shaping reinforces successive approximations so complex sporting skills can be built.

• Assuming punishment teaches the correct technique.

  Put it right: Punishment suppresses a response but does not by itself show the performer what to do instead.

Exam tips

• Name Skinner and state that consequences shape the likelihood of a response being repeated.
• Distinguish positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and punishment with a separate sporting example for each.
• Use shaping to explain staged skill progress, such as reinforcing a correct arm action before adding the full movement.
• Check the direction of the effect: reinforcement increases behaviour, punishment decreases it.