AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Developed by B.F Skinner, operant conditioning is a way of learning by means of rewards and punishments. This type of conditioning holds that a certain behavior and a consequence, either a reward or punishment, have a connection which brings about learning.

Detailed explanation-2: -Thorndike introduced the law of effect which states that a positive effect (reward) increases the probability and a negative consequence (punishment) will reduce the probability that a certain behaviour will be repeated in the future (Thorndike, 1913, 1927).

Detailed explanation-3: -Positive reinforcement refers to the introduction of a desirable or pleasant stimulus after a behavior. The desirable stimulus reinforces the behavior, making it more likely that the behavior will reoccur.

Detailed explanation-4: -Operant conditioning is built on the foundation of rewards and punishment: when our behavior is rewarded, we are encouraged to repeat or continue that behavior, and when our behavior is punished, we are discouraged from repeating or continuing that behavior.