Purchase Solution

Using Operant Reinforcers to Change a Bad Habit

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

How could you use operant conditioning to change a bad habit? Also, please help me to understand the difference between negative reinforcers and punishment as they relate to operant conditioning.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

In this post, I give the definition and a brief history of operant conditioning. Using the operant conditioning model, I demonstrate how a person could modify the bad habit of always arriving late to an appointment. I also discuss positive and negative reinforcers and punishment in relation to operant conditioning.

Solution Preview

Operant conditioning is defined as using rewards to reinforce a voluntary behavior or using consequences to modify a voluntary behavior. This is different than classical conditioning because it requires action on the part of the person whose behavior is being modified. Psychologist B.F. Skinner was most noted for studying the conditioning of operant behaviors. Skinner designed an experiment using rats, in which he would place the rat into a box. Inside the box there was a lever that released food when pressed. The rats quickly learned that pressing the lever gave the reward of food. Pressing the lever was the operant behavior and the food was the positive reinforcer, which increased the behavior. ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Concepts in Personality Psychology

This quiz will test student's understanding of concepts relating to personality psychology.

V Axis Diagnostic Tool

It's important for all therapists to know what the V Axis Diagnostic tool is and how to use it. This quiz should be taken by learners who are not familiar with the V Axis Diagnostic Tool or who need to refresh their knowledge.

Childhood Disorders (Axis 1)

This quiz is designed to test one's knowledge on childhood Principle Disorders found in the DSM-IV (1994). This is a good quiz for those who wish to pursue a career in child assessment or child development. Good luck.

Motion Perception

This quiz will help students test their understanding of the differences between the types of motion perception, as well as the understanding of their underlying mechanisms.

Brain and behaviour

Reviews areas of the brain involved in specific behaviours. This information is important for introductory psychology courses.