learning theorists b.f. skinner

By: Rachel Watson, Nick Toro, Amber

Hufstetler, Shandra Settlemyer

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*B.F. Skinner described the behavior theory of

Operant Conditioning as: “Learning that is

controlled and results in shaping behavior

through the reinforcement of stimulus-

response patterns.

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*• Neutral operants: responses from the

environment that neither increase nor decrease the

probability of a behavior being repeated.

*• Reinforcers: Responses from the environment

that increase the probability of a behavior being

repeated. Reinforcers can be either positive or

negative.

*• Punishers: Response from the environment that

decrease the likelihood of a behavior being

repeated. Punishment weakens behavior.

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**Positive

*(something added)

*Positive Reinforcement:

*Something added increases behavior

*Positive Punishment

*Something added decreases behavior

*

*Negative

*(something removed)

*Negative Reinforcement

*Something removed increases behavior

*Negative Punishment

*Something removed decreases behavior

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*Teachers use positive and negative reinforcements all the time. For example, if a student does their homework then the teacher gives them credit (positive reinforcement). On the other hand, if a student does not do their homework then the teacher may not give them credit (negative reinforcement).

*Many softwares are now created to give back positive reinforcement messages when students do well, and negative reinforcements when students do not so well. Teachers can use these programs in class, or create their own reinforcement messages if they create something like a PowerPoint quiz.

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*Students will either be encouraged to keep

engaging in a behavior, such as turning in a project

because they receive credit (positive

reinforcement), or discouraged if they are given

negative feedback or less credit.

*Receiving negative feedback on an educational

computer game would discourage the student from

doing poorly again. On the other hand, positive

feedback or winning an educational game would

encourage a student to keep up the good work.

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*Photo Credit:

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http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.503467326577

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Information Credit:

http://www.learning-

theories.com/operant-conditioning-

skinner.html