the theory of operant conditioning consists of what learning methods?
The theory of operant conditioning consists of four core learning methods that describe how consequences shape voluntary behavior:
- Positive reinforcement
- You add a pleasant stimulus after a behavior to increase the likelihood it happens again.
- Example: Giving a child a sticker for doing homework increases the chance they’ll do homework in future.
- Negative reinforcement
- You remove an unpleasant stimulus after a behavior to increase that behavior.
- Example: Buckling a seatbelt stops the annoying beeping sound, so you are more likely to buckle up quickly next time.
- Positive punishment
- You add an unpleasant stimulus after a behavior to decrease that behavior.
- Example: A student who talks out of turn is given extra chores; the goal is to reduce the talking out of turn.
- Negative punishment
- You remove a pleasant stimulus after a behavior to decrease that behavior.
- Example: Taking away screen time after a teenager misses curfew, aiming to reduce curfew-breaking.
Often, texts also mention extinction : when a behavior gradually weakens and disappears because it is no longer reinforced (for example, a child stops raising their hand if the teacher never calls on them).