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-====== Operant conditioning ======
-===== General =====
-Operant conditioning, sometimes also known as Skinnerian conditioning is an [[behaviorism|behaviorist]] learning approach similar to [[clasicall_conditioning|classical conditioning]], mostly influenced by early theoretical and experimental works of American psychologist [[http://www.bfskinner.org/BFSkinner/AboutSkinner.html|Burrhus Frederic Skinner]] from the second half of the 20th century. Main difference between those two theories is that **classical conditioning does only modify reflex reactions** and **operant conditioning shapes new behavior**.
-===== What is operant conditioning? =====
-The most famous experiment considering operant learning is [[http://www.juliantrubin.com/bigten/skinnerbox.html|Skinner box]], also known as //operant conditioning chamber//. In this experiment Skinner demonstrated the ideas of operant conditioning and shaping behavior of a rat using reinforcement in terms of food. Unlike Pavlov's classical conditioning, where an existing behavior (salivating for food) is shaped by associating it with a new stimulus (sound of a bell), operant conditioning is the **rewarding of an act that approaches a new desired behavior**, but can also be the opposite: **punishing undesirable behavior**.
-Skinner also observed effects of different **schedules of reinforcement** (**continuous** - every day at the same time, **fixed ratio** - every X times the reinforcement occurs, or **fixed interval** schedules - reinforcement occurs if desired behavior is showed within the time interval). One interesting observation he also made is **resistance to extinction when variable schedules is used**. Gambling represents a model of the same: reinforcement doesn't come that often but one can never be sure it won't come next time so he gives it another try.
-Operant conditioning can also be used to **shape more complex behaviors** by starting from an idea similar to the intended behavior and after it is learned **slowly shaping it until it becomes exactly what was desired**. An example of this is how Skinner and his students managed to teach pigeons to bowl.
-===== What is the practical meaning of operant conditioning? =====
-There are many examples of operant conditioning in everyday use. The act of **completing homework in order to earn a reward from a parent or teacher**, or **finishing projects to receive praise or promotions** is a form of operant conditioning. In these examples, the **promise or possibility of rewards causes an increase in probability of certain behavior**.
-Operant conditioning can also be used to **decrease probability of certain behavior by use of punishment** (//averse stimulus//). For example, a child may be told they will lose recess privileges if they talk out of turn in class. This potential for punishment may lead to a decrease in disruptive behaviors.
-===== Keywords and most important names =====
-  * **Operant conditioning**, **Skinnerian conditioning**, **Skinner box**, **operant conditioning chamber**
-  * [[http://www.bfskinner.org/BFSkinner/AboutSkinner.html|Burrhus Frederic Skinner]]
-===== Bibliography =====
-Blackman, Derek E. Operant conditioning: an experimental analysis of behaviour. Routledge, 1974.
-[[http://psychology.about.com/od/behavioralpsychology/a/classcond.htm|“Classical Conditioning - Introduction to Classical Conditioning.”.]]
-===== Read more =====
-Skinner, Burrhus F. About behaviorism. Vintage Books, 1974.
-[[http://psychclassics.asu.edu/Skinner/Pigeon/|"Skinner, B. F. 'Superstition' in the Pigeon".  Journal of Experimental Psychology #38, p168-172. 1947.]]
-[[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1285014/pdf/15693526.pdf|Peterson, G. B. A day of great illumination: BF Skinner's discovery of shaping. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior 82, no. 3, p317-328. 2004.]]
-[[http://2fwww.neurodiversity.com/library_wolf_1964.pdf|Wolf, M., Risley, T., Johnston, M., Harris, F. and Allen, E. Application of operant conditioning procedures to the behavior problems of an autistic child: a follow-up and extension. Behaviour Research and Therapy 5, no. 2, p103-111. May 1967.]]
-[[http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/cgi/reprint/30/6/837.pdf|Levene, Howard I., Engel, Bernard T. and Pearson, John A. "Differential Operant Conditioning of Heart Rate." Psychosom Med 30, no. 6, p837-845. November 1, 1968.]]

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