To prepare for this discussion, please read Chapter 5 of your textbook. In addition, watch Classical and Operant Conditioning. Finally, review Instructor Guidance and Announcements. In this discussion, you will consider learning from a psychological perspective by explaining operant conditioning and applying it to a real-life scenario. Be sure to use your own academic voice and apply in-text citations appropriately throughout your post.
- Watch Classical and Operant Conditioning, which distinguishes between classical and operant conditioning by describing many important concepts.
- Discuss learning. In your discussion, include the following:
- Describe operant conditioning.
- Select one of the following situations from everyday life in which learning (i.e. a relatively permanent change in behavior) is desirable.
- Margot wants her husband, Todd, to stop leaving his dirty laundry on the floor.
- Coach K wants to increase his basketball players’ free throw percentages.
- Mr. Moore wants his dog to stop jumping up on visitors.
- Biggs Boss wants his employees to arrive on time.
- Mrs. O’Neill wants her preschoolers to raise their hands before speaking.
- Joe wants his son to earn good grades.
- Jack wants his girlfriend, Jill, to show more affection.
- Marty wants his friend, Dave, to stop smoking.
- Insert your own situation: ____________________________________
- Prepare a behavior modification plan in which you effectively utilize operant conditioning principles to change the behavior of the targeted individual(s).
- Clearly identify and describe suitable reinforcers or punishers to attain your desired outcome.
- Example: If I want my son to eat his vegetables (i.e., increase a desired behavior), I could do several things.
- If he eats his vegetables, I could apply a positive reinforcer by adding something he does like, such as screen time; alternatively, I could apply a negative reinforcer by taking away something he does not like, such as one of his weekly chores.
- If he does not eat his vegetables, I could apply a positive punisher by adding something he does not like, such as a new weekly chore; alternatively, I could apply a negative punisher by taking away something he does like, such as screen time.
- Example: If I want my son to eat his vegetables (i.e., increase a desired behavior), I could do several things.
- Defend your use of reinforcement and/or punishment as applied to the scenario. Why did you choose it? Why do you expect it to work?
- Apply your knowledge of ethical considerations as relevant to operant conditioning.
- Clearly identify and describe suitable reinforcers or punishers to attain your desired outcome.
- Remember to use your own academic voice and apply in-text citations appropriately throughout your post.
Post your initial response of 250 words or more by Day 3 (Thursday). Respond to at least two of your peers by Day 7 (Monday). You are encouraged to post one or more of your required replies early each week (e.g., by Saturday) to stimulate more meaningful and interactive discourse in the discussion forum. In addition, strive to provide a response to classmates who replied to your initial post and/or the Instructor (if applicable). Peer responses may vary in length but should be carefully crafted and insightful. Below are some suggestions to assist your thinking.
