Learning (Cont.

)
 Operant conditioning

Given by B.F.Skinner
A type of conditioning in which desired
voluntary behavior leads to a reward or
prevents a punishment
Operant conditioning advocates shaping of
behaviour.
Operant conditioning investigates the influence
of consequences on subsequent behaviour.

It is the consequence that follows the response

(behaviour) that influences whether the
response is likely or unlikely to occur again.
 Example

Children completing homework to earn a reward from a

parent or teacher or employees finishing projects to
receive praise or promotions. In these examples, the
promise or possibility of rewards causes an increase in
behaviour.
But operant conditioning can also be used to decrease a
behaviour.
The removal of an undesirable outcome or the use of
punishment can be used to decrease or prevent
undesirable behaviours. For example, a child may be told
they will lose recess privileges if they talk out of turn in
class. This potential for punishment may lead to a
decrease in disruptive behaviours.
 Social learning theory

Social learning theory is a theory to explain how

people learn behavior. People learn through
observing others' behavior. If people observe
positive, desired outcomes in the observed behavior,
they are more likely to model, imitate, and adopt the
behavior themselves.
 social learning occurs through these main stages of
imitation:
close contact,
imitation of superiors,
role model behaviour
Social Learning suggest that the effect of behaviour has an
impact on the motivation of people to engage in that
behaviour. People wish to avoid negative consequences,
while desiring positive results or effects. If one expects a
positive outcome from a behaviour, or thinks there is a high
probability of a positive outcome, then they will be more
likely to engage in that behaviour. The behaviour is
reinforced, with positive outcomes, leading a person to
repeat the behaviour. This social learning theory suggests
that behaviour is influenced by these environmental factors
or stimuli, and not psychological factors alone.
 Shaping Behavior

Systematically reinforcing each successive

step that moves an individual closer to the
desired response.

Key Concepts
• Reinforcement is required to change behavior.
• Some rewards are more effective than others.
• The timing of reinforcement affects learning speed
and permanence.
 Types of Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement
 Providing a reward for a desired behavior.
Negative reinforcement
 Removing an unpleasant consequence when the desired
behavior occurs.
Punishment
 Applying an undesirable condition to eliminate an undesirable
behavior.
Extinction
 Withholding reinforcement of a behavior to cause its cessation.
Positive Reinforcement You receive bonus after successful
completion of project.

Negative Supervisor Criticizing you when your

Reinforcement job performance is not up to the mark.

Punishment Demotion

Extinction Fine for using words which are

potentially dangerous to culture of
Org..
 Schedules of Reinforcement

Continuous Reinforcement
A desired behavior is
reinforced each time it is
demonstrated.

Intermittent Reinforcement
A desired behavior is
reinforced often enough to
make the behavior worth
repeating but not every time
it is demonstrated.
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reserved.
 Schedules of Reinforcement (cont’d)

Fixed-Interval Schedule
Rewards are spaced at
uniform time intervals.

Variable-Interval Schedule
Rewards are initiated
after a fixed or constant
number of responses.

2–11 © 2005 Prentice Hall Inc. All rights

reserved.
 Intermittent Schedules of Reinforcement

EXHIBI
T 2–5
2–12 © 2005 Prentice Hall Inc. All rights
reserved.
 Intermittent Schedules of Reinforcement (cont’d)

EXHIBIT
2–5 (cont’d)
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reserved.
 Behavior Modification

1. Identify critical behaviors

2. Develop baseline data

3. Identify behavioral consequences

4. Develop and apply intervention

5. Evaluate performance improvement

 OB MOD Organizational Applications

Well Pay versus Sick Pay

 Reduces absenteeism by rewarding attendance, not
absence.
Employee Discipline
 The use of punishment can be counter-productive.
Developing Training Programs
 OB MOD methods improve training effectiveness.
Self-management
 Reduces the need for external management control.

2–15 © 2005 Prentice Hall Inc. All rights

reserved.
 Homework

Find out the difference between Classical & Operant

conditioning.