Operant Learning Theory
The subject learns to operate on the environment to achieve certain consequences
To get desired feedback
Operantly learned behaviour is controlled by the consequences that follow it
It is the connection between the behaviour and the consequence that is learned
Reinforcement Gone Wrong
Confusing rewards with punishment
Neglecting diversity in preferences for reinforcers
Accidentally reinforcing the wrong behaviour
Effective Reinforcement
Contingent on specific desired behaviour
Account for individual preferences
Use effective sources and forms of reinforcement
Performance feedback
Social recognition
Punishment Gone Wrong
Punishment does not demonstrate which behaviours should replace the punished response
Punishment indicates only what is not appropriate
Punishment only temporarily suppresses the unwanted behaviour
Punishment can be provoke a strong emotional reaction form the punished individual
Effective Punishment
Limit the emotions involved in punishment
Make sure the chosen punishment is truly aversive
Provide an acceptable alternative response for the punished response
Punish immediately
Do not reward unwanted behaviours before or after punishment
Do not inadvertently punish desirable behaviour
Components of Social Cognitive THeory
Human beings have the cognitive capacity to regulate and control their own thoughts, feelings, motivation, and actions
Social cognitive theory emphasizes the role of cognitive processes in regulating people’s behaviour
Observational Learning
THe process of imitating the behaviour of others
The learning is not through direct personal experience
Attractive, credible, competent, high-status people are most likely to be imitated
Discrepancy reduction
working to close the gap between current behavior and desired goals
Discrepancy production
setting new, higher standards once goals are met, creating new challenges to pursue
Operant Learning Theory
People learn because of what someone else does
Social Cognitive Theory
People learn on their own (observing others, developing self-efficacy)
