In one line: Behaviour that is rewarded gets repeated; behaviour that is punished fades. Consequences shape what we do.
Operant conditioning explains behaviour through its results. Unlike classical conditioning (linking two stimuli), operant conditioning is about what happens after we act.
This links to the concept of causality: a consequence is a cause of future behaviour. Reward a child for tidying and the tidying increases — the reward caused the change.
Memory hook: Behaviour is shaped by its consequences. Good result → do it more; bad result → do it less.
Free preview
This is the free notes preview
You're reading the free notes. Aimnova Pro unlocks the full study experience — and you can try it with your first topic free to keep:
- FlashcardsLock in vocabulary and key terms with spaced repetition.
- Practice questionsAnswer exam-style questions and get instant AI marking.
- Mock exams & past-paper vaultSit full mocks and see exactly how examiners award marks.
- Personalised study planA daily plan built around your exam date and weak areas.
Key idea: Consequences come in four types — two that increase behaviour (reinforcement) and two that decrease it (punishment).
Four consequences
Positive reinforcement
Add something pleasant → behaviour increases. Praise a dog for sitting and it sits more.
Negative reinforcement
Remove something unpleasant → behaviour increases. Taking a painkiller stops a headache, so you take it again.
Positive punishment
Add something unpleasant → behaviour decreases. A fine for speeding reduces speeding.
Negative punishment
Remove something pleasant → behaviour decreases. Losing screen time for rudeness reduces rudeness.
Add good · Remove bad · Add bad · Remove good
Take a student who starts answering in class. The teacher's praise (positive reinforcement) makes them answer more. If mocking laughter followed (positive punishment), they would answer less. The consequence, not the behaviour itself, drives the change.
Worked example you could use: In classic illustrations, animals in a box learn to press a lever when it delivers food (positive reinforcement) or stops a mild shock (negative reinforcement). You may cite this kind of study as an example — in your own words. No need to memorise details.
Go further — higher-level insight: Reinforcement usually beats punishment. Punishment suppresses behaviour but doesn't teach a better one, and can cause fear or resentment. Rewarding a desired alternative tends to produce more lasting change — a key point for evaluation and application.
Feeling unprepared for exams?
Get a clear study plan, practice with real questions, and know exactly where you stand before exam day. No more guessing.
Key idea: Operant conditioning is well-evidenced and highly practical, but it can be too simple for complex human behaviour.
Strengths and limitations
| Strengths and limitations | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence | Strong, replicable experimental support | Much early evidence is from animals — generalising to humans is uncertain |
| Use | Powers therapy, education, habit change, apps | Ignores thoughts, emotions and social meaning |
| Scope | Explains a huge range of learned behaviour | Can't easily explain sudden insight or language |
So operant conditioning is a powerful, testable, useful account of learning, but a full picture of human behaviour also needs the thinking (cognitive) and social levels it leaves out.
Watch out: Reinforcement is defined by its effect. If a 'reward' doesn't increase the behaviour, it wasn't a reinforcer for that person — don't assume what counts as rewarding.