10. Operant Conditioning A form of learning in which a specific action (an operant response) is made to occur either more frequently or less frequently by manipulating its consequences in the environment. B.F. Skinner Operant Response Change in Environment Change in response Dog stands Gets food Dog stands again An operant response “operates” on the environment and causes it to change in some way. The environment, in turn, causes the behavior to change in some way.
11. Operant Conditioning Versus Classical Conditioning In Classical Conditioning, the subject’s response has no consequences; it produces no change in the environment. The dog gets the food after the bell is rung whether or not he salivates to the bell. His behavior doesn’t matter. In Operant Conditioning, the dog has to stand up to get the food. His behavior does matter.