UNIVERSITY OF JOS
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL AND APPLIED
PSYCHOLOGY
LEARNING PROCESS (103) ASSIGNMENT
GROUP 2
TOPIC: OPERANT CONDITIONING
SUBMITTED TO:
REV. DR. DASTU R. RINGLE
FEBRUARY, 2025
GROUP MEMEBERS.
NAME AND MATRIC NUMBER FOR GROUP 2, LEARNING PROCESS
1. Tongzum Augustine Dakup
2. Bako Salome Uj/2020/AG/0088
3. Felix Dorcas Mafuyai
4. Sonia Chinweokwu Ikechukwu (uj/2024/ss/0258)
5. Grace Herbert Sado
6. Danladi Deborah Yahaya
7. Ojeka-Ebibi Iranyohe Miracle. UJ/2024/SS/0130
8. Gyok Joy Peter
9. Samuel Jerusah Tsoho. Matric number(UJ/2024/SS/0267)
10. Augustine Anthonia Tok UJ /2024/SS/0272
11. Josiah Divine Ri-shama
12. AUGUSTA OBIKWERE CHIMDINDU
13. DOMNAN TELZING
14. Nenfot Z Wika
15. CHINKINAN PAULA PAUL UJ/2024/SS/0118
16. Solace zabadi Shem
17. Odeshina Praise Itunuoluwa uj/2024/ss/0134
18 . Panshak Tongfwina Gofwan
19. Christabel Asharimantun Ezekiel (UJ/2024/SS/0216)
20. Judith Agyer Itse
21. Ishaku Sofi Angela
22. Andrew Ede Otokpa
22.Anselem Stanley Peterson
23. Dyeman Benedicta jigoeni
24. Godpower Precious Emmanuella(UJ/2024/SS/0286)
25. Ernest Rondo Monday
26.Paul Catherine R
28. Grace Matthew Nimun (UJ/2020/ns/0377)
29. Asanyi Joshua shater ( uj/2024/ss/0011
30.
31.
32.
OPERANT CONDITIONING
INTRODUCTION..
Operant conditioning, which the concept was developed by B. F. Skinner,
is a learning process whereby behavior is influenced by it's consequences
-that is- reinforcement or reward increases behavior while punishment
decreases or eradicates it.
Our purpose of today's presentation is to explain how Operant
conditioning works, Why it is important and how it applies to our everyday
lives.
Operant conditioning tells us that behavior is learned and not simply
random. When an action leads to a desirable result, such as a reward or
sense of accomplishment, we are more likely to repeat it. On the other
hand, when a behavior leads to discomfort or punishment, we are less
likely to repeat it. This justifies the statement which states that behavior
is influenced by it's consequences.
Now, note that we have positive and negative reinforcement. What do this
mean?You might say.Well, here it is; Positive reinforcement involves
adding something pleasant after a behavior, like giving a child a treat after
completing a task.
Negative reinforcement on the other hand involves taking away
something unpleasant to encourage behavior, like a teacher stops giving
assignment to giving surprise tests to students when students
consistently do their homeworks.
Now, let's talk about punishment. Punishment serves the opposite
purpose of reinforcement- it aims to reduce or take away unwanted
behaviors. Let's also note that we have both Positive and Negative
Punishment. Positive Punishment introduces unpleasant consequences,
like extra chores for being late.
Negative Punishment on the other hand removes a pleasant stimulus, like
taking away a phone for missing curfews.
Now, the side effects of punishments are as follows:
1. Increased Aggression
2. Low self esteem
3. Escape and avoiding learning.
While punishment is effective, it must be applied careful to avoid
unintended side effects like fear or resentment.
Now, why is Operant conditioning important? I think at this point it is
obvious that Operant conditioning aims to improve wanted behavior and
eradicate unwanted behavior. It also aids on individual development and
adjustment to his or her environment. Through this, individuals learn what
behaviors are beneficial and which ones to avoid.
So, Operant conditioning overall shapes behavior, improving and reducing
it.
Now, note that reinforcement does not always occur in the same way.
Continuous reinforcement, that is, rewarding of behavior everytime it
occurs, helps individuals learn new behaviors quickly.
Intermittent reinforcement, that is, rewards that come from time to time
and are unpredictable leads to a more persistent behavior.
So, with all that being said, how does Operant conditioning apply to our
everyday lives? Operant conditioning is not limited to academic theories.
It's not in existence because people like B.F. Skinner, C.F. Hull, Robert A.
Rescorla, Edward Thorndike and John and Neal Miller wanted it to exist. It
actually applies to our daily lives, seeing from the various examples that
were given. It is applied daily, from childhood development and classroom
management to workplace productivity and even Self improvement.
Parents use it, teachers use it, lectures use it and even bosses use it.
Operant conditioning is a powerful learning process, but it does not
always work perfectly in every situation. Several factors can influence its
effectiveness:
1. Individual Differences – Some people or animals may not respond as
expected due to personality, intelligence, or past experiences.
2. Timing and Consistency – If reinforcement or punishment is not
applied immediately and consistently, the behavior may not change as
intended.
3. Motivation – If the subject is not motivated by the reinforcement or is
indifferent to the punishment, the conditioning may fail.
4. Competing Influences – External factors (e.g., environment, social
influences, or biological predispositions) can interfere with the learning
process.
5. Extinction and Resistance – If reinforcement stops, the learned
behavior might disappear. On the other hand, some behaviors become
resistant to change, especially if they were intermittently reinforced.
6. Ethical and Psychological Factors – Certain reinforcements or
punishments can cause emotional distress, making the approach
ineffective or even harmful.
So, while operant conditioning is a valuable tool in shaping behavior, it is
not foolproof and depends on how it is applied.
In conclusion, Operant conditioning is a powerful learning process where
behavior is shaped by consequences. Positive or negative outcomes
determines whether behaviors are repeated or avoided. Operant
conditioning explains how behavior is learned and maintained through
interactions with environment. It also highlights the power of
consequences -whether rewarding or punishing- in shaping behavior as
well as the influence of timing and consistency.
By understanding all these, we can better influence and improve learning,
behavior modification and everyday decision making as human beings.
Thank you...
