Operant Conditioning Is A Type Of Learning In Which Behavior

Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher. It also involves respondent behavior- behavior that occurs as an automatic response to the same stimulus. Operant conditioning involves operant behavior, so called because the act operates on the environment to produce rewarding or punishing stimuli. Thorndike’s law of effect which simply stated that rewarded behavior is likely to recur derived from Skinner’s operant conditioning. In Vina’s case, the cigarettes reduce feelings of tension and anxiety that are rewards in Vina’s mind. Despite the fact that there are also punishments that come with smoking (bad morning cough and breathing difficulties), Vina’s addiction is outweighed by the relaxing feeling she gets when she smokes. Skinner’s concept of reinforcement in operant conditioning is any event that strengthens the behavior it follows. Primary reinforcers are innately reinforcing stimuli, such as one that satisfies a biological need. Conditioned reinforcers, called secondary reinforcers, are learned. They get their power through association with primary reinforcers. In people’s lives, many potential secondary reinforcers include money, good grades, a pleasant tone of voice, and a work of praise. Secondary reinforcers greatly enhance our ability to influence one another. ON the other hand, immediate reinforcers are yield immediate gratification. Hangovers do not prevent further drinking and drugs such as nicotine and cocaine that provide the most immediate reinforcement are the most strongly addictive. Delayed reinforcers such as safe or saved sex seem to be outweighed by the immediate reinforces. Cigarettes are definitely immediate reinforcers. Vina’s addiction is conditioned, after she started to smoke, she related smoking to her everyday needs which is why she is addicted.