Donna Spatafore

Psych 101 ADS

TEST 2
Although consequence is usually used interchangeably with
punishment, or justification of punishment, a consequence can be positive or
negative. A consequence is simply the effect that follows and action or
response. Operant conditioning is learning based on the consequence of
responding. The consequence could be positive, reinforcing behavior with a
reward. It could be negative, which would discourage behavior by causing
an unpleasant experience.
The basic principle of operant conditioning is acts that are reinforced
tend to be repeated. A positive reinforcement increases the probability of
repeating a desired response by providing a reward. A negative
reinforcement increases the probability of repeating a desired response by
making the subject uncomfortable until the desired response is performed,
then relieving the discomfort. Negative reinforcement is different then from
punishment. Punishment is an event that follows a response that decreases
the chances of it happening again.
There are different types of reinforcers; primary and secondary. A
primary reinforcer is one which pertains to physiological needs such as, food,
water, or sex. A secondary reinforcer is one which by itself doesnt contain
reinforcing properties but when associated with a primary reinforcer can be a
valuable tool. Examples of secondary reinforcers are money, tokens, praise,
and attention. Feedback is information returned to a person about the
effects of a response. The effects can illicit either a pleasant or unpleasant
experience.
Operant conditioning seems to be the main type of training we use in
our society. Its used to raise our children, to reward good behaviors and
punish undesired behavior. We also use this in the training of our pets. Its
even used in schools in the form of grades or having the privilege of
participating in a special event. Punishment being bad grades, or not being
promoted to the next grade level. Operant conditioning is used in the
workplace to obtain desired productivity by offering incentives, in the form of
raises, or contests, to increase morale and production. Write ups are used as
punishment with the worst punishment being termination.

Obioiusly, operant conditioning must be a successful tool in molding

subjects into desired outcomes because it is so widely used. It has been used
for a long time and continues to be of use today.