Learning

5 Pages 1299 Words

The definition of learning is a change in a person’s behavior due to observation or past

experiences. In other words our behavior is altered by what we so others doing and we then

change our behaviors to match theirs, in order to fit in with society. We also learn from past

experiences, for example when we are young and touch a hot stove, we learn very quickly to be

more cautious around stoves. Learning is an essential function we must do in order to adapt and

survive in the world.


My research project for operant conditioning would involve small children as the test subjects and

by using discipline, positive, negative and no reinforcement to convince them to do their

homework. The discipline aspect would be tested with the operant being by spanking the child

whenever they did not do their homework. The consequence would then of course be the

spanking itself. I think that the outcome of this method could result in one of two ways; the child

will either do all their work in fear of the spanking or lie about homework to avoid the

punishment. Although in most cases this is an effective form of conditioning, it is also

psychologically damaging and teaches kids violence. Another form of conditioning, which I

believe is much more productive and effective, is positive reinforcement. I would use positive

reinforcement and the operant would be that in the sense that if they do all of their homework

they would get a treat or reward. The consequence of this type of reinforcement would be to then

get the treat or reward, and so the effect on behavior is in turn the child would most likely do their

homework in the future. Whereas with negative reinforcement, my operant would be more like if

you don’t do your home work, a privilege would be taken away. The consequence then of course

would be the privilege being taken away and in turn the effect on behavior would be th...