In psychology, reinforcement refers to a process where behavior is strengthened or increased by the presentation or removal of a stimulus. Reinforcement is a key concept in behaviorism, a school of psychology that emphasizes the role of the environment in shaping behavior. According to behaviorists, behavior is learned through the consequences that follow it, and …
Negative reinforcement can be used to modify behavior by removing something that a person finds unpleasant or aversive.
Positive reinforcement involves introducing a desired stimulus after a behavior to encourage that behavior. Learn more about how positive reinforcement works.
Schedules of reinforcement determine when rewards are delivered and can affect the learning process.
Operant conditioning is a learning process that utilizes reinforcement and punishment to modify behavior. Learn more about how it works.
Classical conditioning is a learning process in which a neutral stimulus is paired with another stimulus that nautically produces a response. After repeated pairing, the previously neutral stimulus begins to evoke the response all on its own. Classical conditioning is a type of associative learning that takes place unconsciously. It works by associating one stimulus …
Behaviorism is a theory of human psychology that suggests that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning. According to this approach to psychology, it is our interactions with our environments that shape what we learn, who we are, and how we act. Behaviorism rose to prominence early in the 20th century. During that time, psychologists strove …
Classical conditioning vs operant conditioning? What exactly are the differences between these two types of learning? Both classical conditioning and operant are central to behaviorism, but students often get confused about the differences between the two. Use this study guide to familiarize yourself with some of the major topics related to classical and operant conditioning …
Stimulus generalization occurs when an organism responds to a stimulus in the same way that it responds to a similar stimulus. This occurs during the classical conditioning process. For example, imagine a dog being conditioned to run to its owner when it hears a whistle. The dog responds similarly when it hears a small child …
Acquisition refers to an early stage of the learning process when a response is first established. At this point in learning, the subject will begin displaying the behavior when a stimulus is presented, so we can then say that the behavior has been acquired. In classical conditioning, acquisition refers to when the previously neutral stimulus …
Shaping is a conditioning technique that involves working toward a target behavior by breaking it down into gradual, successive steps and rewarding each step on the path toward the desired outcome. Psychologist B. F. Skinner introduced the concept as part of his operant conditioning theory. Shaping is a term used in behavioral psychology to establish …