Operant Conditioning Experiments

Definition

Operant conditioning experiments are research studies that investigate how behaviors are shaped through the use of rewards and punishments. They focus on understanding how voluntary behaviors can be strengthened or weakened based on their consequences.

Related terms

Reinforcement:

The process of increasing the likelihood of a behavior by providing a reward or positive consequence.

Punishment:

The process of decreasing the likelihood of a behavior by providing a negative consequence or removing something desirable.

Extinction:

The gradual weakening and eventual disappearance of a learned behavior when reinforcement is no longer provided.