Skinner's on Operant Conditioning - Research Paper Example

? Project Introduction Behaviorism was principally established through the influential work of three prominent theorists including Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner. Pavlov explored the conditioning reflex, with his studies with dogs; he established classical conditioning as a learning method. His analysis pointed out that environmental stimulus can be utilized to stimulate a conditioned response. John B. Watson extended Pavlov’s theory to include human behavior. Watson established behaviorism as school of thought with his landmark article “Psychology as the Behaviorist View.” Skinner advanced the concept of operant conditioning where reinforcement leads to the desired behavior. Skinner's Research on Operant Conditioning Skinner advanced fresh forms of learning other than classical conditioning. Contrary to Watson’s ideas, Skinner believed that internal thoughts and motivations cannot entirely explain behavior. Skinner held that the best ways of understanding behavior entailed exploring the causes of an action and its consequences. Skinner labeled this approach as operant conditioning. Skinner’s theory of operant conditioning was grounded in the work of Thorndike (1905). Edward Thorndike had earlier studied learning in animals by employing a puzzle box to advance the theory known as the “Law of Effect.” Skinner introduced the term reinforcement whereby reinforced behavior tends to be repeated or strengthened. Conversely, behavior that is not reinforced tends to be extinguished or weakened. Skinner’s experiments incorporated animals placed in a “Skinner Box,” similar to Thorndike’s puzzle box. Operant conditioning translates to changing behavior via application of reinforcement, which is awarded after a desired response. According to Skinner, there are three categories of operant that follow behavior; neutral, reinforcers, and punishers. There are two kinds of reinforcers, which include positive reinforcers and negative reinforcers. The removal of an undesirable outcome or the application of punishment can be used to minimize or avoid undesirable behaviors. Operant conditioning is a crucial aspect of the learning process; in this case, when and how behavior is reinforced or punished have a significant impact on the rate and strength of the response (Sugai, Sprague, Horner, and Walker 94). There are two categories of reinforcement schedules; continuous reinforcement and partial reinforcement. Continuous reinforcement encompasses the desired behavior being reinforced every single time it occurs. Continuous schedule is most appropriate during initial stages of learning so as to shape a strong association between behavior and the response. The moment the desired response is firmly attached, reinforcement is switched to partial reinforcement schedule. Partial reinforcement refers to situations in which response is reinforced on certain times. Learning is slow in occasions of partial reinforcement. Nevertheless, this schedule enables responses to be more resistant to extinction. Partial reinforcement incorporates four schedules; fixed-ratio schedule, variable-ratio schedule, fixed-interval schedules, and variable-interval schedules. Behavioral Analysis Behavior analysis is a science grounded in the foundations and principles of behaviorism. Behavioral analysis occurs in three distinct ways; first, through the experimental analysis of behavior. Secondly, behavioral analysis occurs via applied behavior analysis whereby researchers explore behavior and apply it in individual, social, and cultural circumstances; thirdly, it occurs through conceptual investigation of behavior. There are two critical fields of behavior analysis; experimental and applied. Experimental behavior analysis hinges on basic research directed at adding to the body of knowledge on behavior. Applied behavior analysis is directed at applying behavior principles to real world situations. In this case, applied behaviorists focus on behaviors, as well as their association with the environment. Instead of focusing on internal states, applied behaviorists spotlight observable behaviors and apply behavioral techniques to bring about behavioral alterations (Terrie 674). Professionals engaged in behavioral analysis engage in specific and comprehensive application of principles of learning, inclusive of operant and respondent learning; this helps to meet the behavioral needs of diverse persons in multiple settings. Discussion Focus on Violent Children using Behavioral Analysis The environment that children encounter in their day to day life has a significant impact on their behaviors and attitudes. Environments impact a positive or a negative influence on children, whether at home or at school. The environment has an emotional influence on the behavior of children. Parents should interrogate the environment to determine the causes of their children’s violent behavior. Parent responses to children with violent conduct should not be hinged on blaming the children for their conduct; rather, their responses should be caring and compassionate (Sugai, Sprague, Horner, and Walker 95). Parents should also alter the environment to fit the desired behavioral changes. When children misbehave, parents and caregivers mainly focus on evaluating and spotlighting what may be the problem with the children. The parents and the primary care giver may also explore the best treatment or intervention to counter the children’s behavior. Nevertheless, the-focus-on-the-child approach, which is appropriate to children suffering from emotional disorders, downplays the critical role played by the child’s environment, as well as the people living in the environment (Terrie 675). Environments filled with sadness and negativity can have a detrimental effect on a child’s behavior. An environment that is constantly awash with negativity can alter a child’s natural tendencies for positivity. Studies conducted in this area demonstrate that environments considered negative by a child have the capacity to inflict emotional distress. Similarly, an overly restrictive environment can also lead to negative behavior as the children lack the opportunity to express themselves. This leads to tendencies such as disruptive or emotional behavioral outbursts. A restricting environment compels a child to conform or live up to a distinct set of standards. This may lead to depression and anxiety in the child and may ultimately result to deviance (Terrie 676). Deviance in children may also stem from exposure to violence whether in television or video games. Studies done in the area have indicated a predisposition to violence among children exposed to violent video games. In addition, children exposed to chaotic environments, whether at home or at school, are bound to experience behavioral problems. Behavioral analysis can aid in reducing antisocial behavior such as violence among children through principles of operant conditioning such as extinction and punishment. Preventing the Children Violent Behavior through Behavioral Analysis Children are constantly exposed to diverse environmental variables that predispose them to antisocial behavior. Functional behavior assessments should be adopted as part of behavior modification. Parents should shun blame-the-victim syndrome, especially when responding to their children inappropriate behaviors. This is because this approach places considerable emphasis on how to “fix” children, rather than on the proper mode needed to enhance the quality of children environments. Efforts should be made to aid behavior modification through the application of behavior change techniques (Sugai, Sprague, Horner, and Walker 95). Behavioral analysis should be directed at either increasing or decreasing the frequency of the behaviors. Behavioral analysis can play a critical role in altering children’s behaviors and reactions to stimuli via both positive and negative reinforcement. Showing Children how to Interact with their World Appropriately It is essential to create a healthy atmosphere, which ensures that any behavioral changes arise from the child’s own actions rather than from the outside influence. Children should be exposed to environments that enable development of steady and appropriate behavior (Terrie 674). Parents should provide an environment that does not lead to development of negative behaviors, as they may restrict children’s choices and freedom in life. Parents should also avail safe environment and model healthy choices and behaviors among their children so as to promote socially acceptable behaviors. Children should be aided in interacting with the world appropriately. The main focus should be enhancing children’s ability to regulate their thoughts, emotions, and behavior (Sugai, Sprague, Horner, and Walker 98). Conclusion Parent interactions with their children and the environment may have enabling or constraining effects to the children’s learning of behavior. The significance of a positive, secure, and healthy environment to children upbringing cannot be overemphasized and is essential to behavior development in children. A healthy environment contributes to lowering the possibility of development of deviant or criminal behavior among children. Availing an enriched environment may be critical in guaranteeing that children can live in an environment that makes them feel secure, confident, and capable of dealing with problems that come their way. Works Cited Sugai, George, Sprague Jeffrey, Horner Robert, & Walker Hill. “Preventing school violence: The Use of Office Referrals to Assess and Monitor Schoolwide Discipline Interventions.” Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders 8.1 (2000): 94-101. Print. Terrie, Moffitt. “Adolescent-limited and life-course persistent antisocial behavior: A Developmental Taxonomy.” Psychological Review 100.4 (1993): 674-701. Print. Read More