Reinforcement Theories

Operant Conditioning 

Operant Conditioning is an "approach to behaviourism" Huitt, W., & Hummel, J. (1997) that focuses on conditioning based on reinforcement. A certain type of stimulus is applied, which can either cause positive or negative behaviour, which in turn results in a certain action being taken. The 4 types of Operant Conditioning are positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, punishment and extinction. "Both Positive and Negative Reinforcement strengthen behavior while both Punishment and Extinction weaken behavior", as can be seen below in the table more clearly.

	Apply	Withhold
Reward	positive reinforcement (raise above baseline)	negative reinforcement (raise up to baseline)
Stressor	punishment (bring down below baseline)	extinction (stay at baseline)

(Theories of Motivation)

Reinforcement Schedules Stimulus are presented "in the environment according to a schedule". There are four intermittent schedules that stimulus are applied in.

• Fixed Interval Schedule - reinforcement given after a fixed period of time 
• Fixed Ratio Schedule - reinforcement given after a certain number of responses 
• Variable Interval Schedule - reinforcement given after varying times 
• Variable Ratio Schedule - reinforcement given after varying times of responses. 

The schedules are compared in the chart below:

(Cherry)

Operant Conditioning is different from Classical Conditioning in the sense that Operant Conditioning focuses on "strengthening or weakening voluntary behaviors" while Classical Conditioning focuses on "involuntary, automatic behaviors". As such, Operant Conditioning is much more suited in motivating someone, whereas Classical Condition is suited in training someone to do something without a motivation. The video below gives a more detailed explanation about the differences between the two types of conditioning.

References

Cherry, K. (n.d.). Classical vs Operant Conditioning. Retrieved March 28, 2015, from http://psychology.about.com/od/behavioralpsychology/a/classical-vs-operant-conditioning.htm

Huitt, W., & Hummel, J. (1997). An introduction to operant (instrumental) conditioning. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved March 28, 15 from http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/behavior/operant.html

The difference between classical and operant conditioning - Peggy Andover. (2013, March 7). Retrieved March 28, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6LEcM0E0io&feature=youtu.be

Theories of Motivation. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2015, from http://www.analytictech.com/mb021/motivation.htm