Why We Act the Way We Do: Operant Conditioning Explained

Understanding Operant Conditioning in Psychology

Key Concepts of Operant Conditioning

• Actions are influenced by rewards and punishments, which is the essence of operant conditioning.

• Behaviors that are followed by rewards tend to be repeated, while those followed by punishments are less likely to occur.

• Positive reinforcement involves receiving a reward (e.g., a treat for good work), encouraging the behavior's repetition.

• Negative reinforcement entails removing an unpleasant stimulus (e.g., turning off an annoying alarm upon waking), also promoting desired behaviors.