Despite a decline in the theoretical dominance of behaviorism, the principles of conditioned learning continue to be practically applied in the field of human behavioral modification.

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B. F. Skinner's theory of operant conditioning, which expands on Edward Thorndike's law of effect, posits that voluntary behaviors are learned through their consequences. Skinner's research, often involving rats and pigeons in operant conditioning chambers, focused on how reinforcement and punishment alter the probability of a behavior's recurrence. Beyond his laboratory work, Skinner was a strong advocate for applying operant conditioning principles in educational settings to shape students' behavior and improve learning outcomes.

Skinner's Operant Conditioning

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

- Continuous Reinforcement
- Fixed Interval
- Fixed Ratio
- Variable Interval
- Variable Ratio

Schedules of Reinforcement

Initially proposed by psychologist Edward Thorndike, states that behaviors are influenced by their consequences. Specifically, behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are more likely to be repeated, while those followed by unpleasant outcomes are less likely to be repeated. This principle, further developed by B. F. Skinner, underpins the idea that learning is driven by reinforcements and punishments, motivating behavior based on the nature of the consequences.

Law of Effect

The Skinner box, or operant conditioning chamber, is a controlled environment designed to study behavior. It isolates a subject, typically an animal, from external distractions and includes a mechanism for the subject to respond, such as a lever or button. The chamber is programmed to deliver a consequence following a specific behavior; for instance, pressing the lever might result in positive reinforcement, like a food pellet, or a punishment, such as an unpleasant noise. This setup allows researchers to systematically investigate how consequences shape voluntary actions.

Skinner Box (Operant Conditioning Chamber)

While B.F. Skinner's theories on learned behaviors, particularly his focus on positive and negative reinforcement, had a lasting impact on the field of psychology, their dominance has decreased over time. This decline in influence is partly attributed to the growth of cognitive psychology, which shifted research focus toward internal mental processes rather than solely observable behaviors.

Waning Influence of Skinner's Behaviorism

As a practical application of operant conditioning in education, B.F. Skinner invented a 'teaching machine.' This mechanical device, a precursor to computer-assisted learning, presented students with questions and provided immediate positive reinforcement for correct answers, allowing them to proceed to the next question. If an answer was incorrect, no reinforcement was given, which was intended to motivate the student to study the material more thoroughly to earn reinforcement on their next attempt.

Skinner's Teaching Machine

Given the following scenario, identify the psychological principle the teacher is using to influence the student's behavior and explain how this principle works to increase the likelihood of the student's participation in the future.

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