Operant Conditioning was the term used by BF Skinner "to describe the effects of the consequences of a particular behavior on the future occurrence of that behavior."
The Reinforcers strengthen or increase the behavior it follows. There are 2 kinds;
- Positive Reinforcement: A favorable event that is presented after the behavior. In these situations, the behavior is strengthened by the addition of something, such as a praise or reward.
- Negative Reinforcement: It involves the removal of the unfavorable outcome after the display of the behavior. In a situation like this, the behavior is strengthened by the removal of something considered unpleasant.
- Notice that in both, the behavior increases.
In Punishment the behavior is decreased or weakened by the consequence of experiencing the application of a adverse stimulus or the removal of a pleasant one. There are two kinds of punishment;
- Positive Punishment (Punishment by Application): Is something applied to reduce a behavior. Keep in mind that the "behavior" is the one that is punished, not the "animal". It is said that when used correctly, positive punishment is the best way to stop unwanted behaviors, Its only flaw would be not giving a specific alternate behavior.
- Negative Punishment: On the other hand, negative punishment takes away something pleasant or Good. This works when the "animal"is avoiding getting that good or pleasant thing, taken away.
- In both types of punishments, the behavior decreases.
Bibliography:
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/proj/nru/opcond.html
http://psychology.about.com/od/behavioralpsychology/a/introopcond.htm
http://www.wagntrain.com/OC/Part2.htm#Ppos
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punishment#In_psychology
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