Skinner's Behavioral Theory of Reward

Categories: Behavior Behavioral Theory Classical Conditioning Learning Operant Conditioning

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When considering the concepts of punishment and reward, it is essential to delve into the theories that attempt to explain the reasons behind human behavior. Conditioning and learning play a crucial role in shaping our actions, with changes in behavior being a direct result of various practices and experiences. This report aims to explore classical conditioning, operant conditioning, cognitive-social learning, as well as the role of neuroscience and evolution in understanding human behavior. Our responses to different situations are heavily influenced by the outcomes of our actions, creating a dynamic interplay between environmental stimuli and behavioral responses.

Looking closely at the rewards system, we encounter the concepts of reinforcement and reinforcers.

Both reinforcement and reinforcers are effective ways to elicit conditioned responses.

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Primary reinforcers, such as satisfying basic needs like food, water, and sex, increase the likelihood of a response. On the other hand, secondary reinforcers, like money and possessions, gain their reinforcing properties through learning. Positive reinforcement involves adding a stimulus to enhance the chances of a desired response, such as receiving a paycheck for a job well done.

Conversely, negative reinforcement involves removing a stimulus to discourage certain behaviors from reoccurring.

Classical conditioning, pioneered by Ivan Pavlov, is also known as Respondent or Pavlovian conditioning.

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This type of conditioning is involuntary, unlike operant conditioning, and occurs when an unrelated response becomes associated with a stimulus that elicits a similar or related response. For instance, some individuals may feel the urge to use the bathroom upon hearing the sound of running water, showcasing classical conditioning in action.

Operant conditioning, also known as Instrumental or Skinnerian conditioning, focuses on the consequences of behavior as a key factor in determining the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.

B.F. Skinner's experiments, such as the puzzle box with a cat, demonstrated how behaviors are influenced by rewards and punishments. Positive reinforcement, as proposed by Skinner, strengthens preceding behaviors, while his concept of negative reinforcement highlights the removal of stimuli to discourage certain behaviors. Skinner's law of affect suggests that actions are more likely to be repeated if they are rewarded, emphasizing the power of reinforcement in shaping behavior.

Extinction, another aspect of operant conditioning, refers to the weakening of a behavior due to the absence of positive reinforcement or the cessation of negative reinforcement. This process highlights the importance of reinforcement in maintaining or extinguishing behaviors over time.

While classical and operant conditioning provide valuable insights into behavior, some scientists argue that these theories alone cannot fully explain human behavior. This leads us to cognitive social theory, which delves deeper into the cognitive processes underlying behavior. Unlike Skinner's behaviorist approach, German psychologist Wolfgang Kohler emphasized the importance of internal mental processes in problem-solving. Kohler's experiments with chimpanzees, particularly the one involving the use of insight to obtain a banana, shed light on the role of cognitive processes in learning.

By presenting a chimpanzee with a problem that required insight to solve, Kohler demonstrated that animals possess cognitive abilities that go beyond simple conditioning. The chimp's ability to use tools to extend its reach and obtain the desired banana exemplifies the concept of learning through insight. This highlights the complexity of cognitive processes involved in problem-solving and decision-making.

In conclusion, the various theories of conditioning, from classical and operant to cognitive social learning, provide valuable insights into the mechanisms that drive human behavior. While reward and punishment play a significant role in shaping behavior, cognitive processes also play a crucial role in influencing our actions. As these theories continue to be tested and refined through ongoing research and experimentation, our understanding of human behavior continues to evolve.