Operant conditioning
IB Psychology· Cognitive approach· 11 min read
1. Core concept
Operant conditioning is learning from consequences. A voluntary behaviour becomes more likely if it is followed by reinforcement (something rewarding, or the removal of something unpleasant) and less likely if followed by punishment. Over time consequences shape which behaviours are repeated. It explains how behaviour is moulded by its environment without appealing to inner mental states.
2. Key studies
IB Psychology answers must be supported by named studies. Learn these to cite as evidence:
Skinner (1948)
Pigeons fed at fixed intervals regardless of behaviour developed idiosyncratic 'superstitious' actions they repeated as if these caused the food. — Shows how reinforcement (even accidental) shapes behaviour through consequences.
3. Evaluation (AO3)
Strength — controlled and applicable — The consequence–behaviour link is experimentally tight and underpins real applications (behaviour modification, token economies).
Limitation — animal-based and non-cognitive — Much evidence is from animals, and pure consequence-learning ignores the thoughts and expectations that shape human behaviour.
4. Scope
5. Common Pitfalls
Wrong move:
Confusing operant with classical conditioning, or treating punishment as the same as negative reinforcement.
Why:
A frequently penalised misconception in IB Psychology exams.
Correct move:
Operant works on voluntary behaviour via consequences. Negative reinforcement REMOVES something unpleasant to INCREASE a behaviour; punishment DECREASES a behaviour — they are opposites.
Going deeper
- Classical conditioningclassical conditioning is the association-based counterpart — contrast with COG_2.