Key idea: Conditioning explains simple learning by pairing and by consequences. Operant conditioning has been applied to teach new skills.
Two kinds of conditioning
Classical conditioning
Learning by pairing: a neutral signal comes to trigger a response, such as feeling anxious at the sound of the dentist's drill.
Operant conditioning
Learning by consequences: behaviour that is reinforced is repeated, behaviour that is punished or ignored fades.
Applying it
Change the consequences, such as praise, tokens or attention, and behaviour changes.
Pair · Consequence
Lovaas (1987) gave young autistic children about 40 hours a week of treatment that rewarded small steps in language, play and self-care. About 47% reached normal school and IQ levels by around age 7, against 2% with minimal treatment.
What HL adds: The motivation extension: reinforcement is one theory of motivation. HL essays can weigh it against theories in which people act for their own goals, not for rewards.
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Key idea: Applied conditioning can produce large changes, but the best-known study has design and ethical problems.
Strengths
- Large differences between groups
- Skills built step by step
- Same principle in classrooms
Limitations
- Not randomised
- Early methods used punishment
- Compliance may not meet the child's needs
Modern programmes use rewards, not punishment, and are tested more carefully, but the debate about aims continues.
Watch out: Effectiveness and ethics are both evaluation. Weigh what changed against how it was done.