Operant conditioning – Behaviourism Developed by influential behaviourist B.F. Skinner, operant conditioning is a theory of learning based on the idea that behaviour can be modified through the use of positive and negative reinforcement and/or punishment [90]. Unlike Pavlov’s classical conditioning theory [88] that demonstrated associative learning, operant conditioning helps to explain how the consequences of people's actions influences their behaviour [85]. The key concepts of this reinforcement approach to learning are summarised below. Different types of behaviours According to Skinner [90], there are two different types of behaviours: • •
Respondent behaviours (those that occur automatically) and, Operant behaviours (those that are consciously controlled)
Skinner [90] maintains that regardless of how the behaviour occurs it is the consequences of those actions that determine whether or not the same behaviour is repeated. Reinforcement In the context of operant conditioning reinforcement can be both positive and negative. Nevertheless, in both cases its use increases the likelihood that a behaviour will continue [90] .
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Positive reinforcement involves the use of rewards and is usually given after a demonstration of the desired behaviour to increase the probability that the same behaviour will be repeated in the future [90]. In a ModBox setting this may include giving praise to athletes for trying hard and being considerate of others.
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Negative reinforcement is the removal of something that is perceived to be unappealing after a demonstration of the desired behaviour [90]. For example, if athletes have performed well at the first part of a hard fitness training session a coach could announce that the remainder of the session will be allocated to the playing of games. In this situation the appropriate response is strengthened as something that is considered negative is removed.
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