Key idea: Conditioning is a simple form of learning. Classical conditioning pairs signals; operant conditioning uses consequences, and can be used to change behaviour.
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
Hall, Lund and Jackson (1968) watched pupils who studied little while their teacher mostly attended to off-task behaviour. When the teacher praised studying instead, study time rose; when attention moved back, it fell.
Go further: higher-level insight: Classical and operant conditioning are taught in 2.2.2 and 2.2.3. Here the guide asks for examples of learning, and for operant conditioning applied to change behaviour.
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Key idea: Changing consequences changes behaviour, with strong evidence of cause; lasting change and motivation are the questions.
Strengths
- Reversal design shows cause
- Simple, cheap, widely used
- Same principle in token economies
Limitations
- A few pupils
- May fade when rewards stop
- Ignores thinking and interest
Rewarding an activity that is already enjoyable can reduce interest in it, so rewards need care.
Watch out: Name the consequence. Say what was reinforced, how, and what happened when it stopped.