Does operant conditioning work for addiction treatment?
Therapeutic Applications. Operant Conditioning is a method that has been researched for over 30 years. Year after year, evidence has shown that Operant Conditioning can be used for neural rehabilitation to decrease spasticity and improve strength. With many of the currently available therapies, the patients are often recipient of the treatments ...
What is the cause and effect relationship in operant conditioning?
Operant conditioning is a powerful method to induce behavioral learning; through operant conditioning, modification of a behavior is induced by the consequence of that behavior. In 1983, Wolpaw et al. (1983) showed for the first time that a properly designed operant-conditioning protocol could change the spinal stretch reflex (SSR), a large ...
What is operant conditioning according to Skinner?
Apr 27, 2016 · Operant Conditioning by Essay Examples April 27, 2016, 9:53 am 1.1k Views 0 Votes I am experiencing an Operant Condition of learning in how to become a Rehabilitation Specialist for consumers who have mental health disabilities and Co-occurring disorders.
What do animals learn from operant conditioning?
Operant conditioning has resulted in several effective treatments. The basic idea is to reward addicted people for making healthier, recovery-oriented choices. However, research has made it very clear: The rewards must have some value, and the reward must be substantial. Again, this has a common sense ring to it.
How is operant conditioning used in rehabilitation?
Operant conditioning has resulted in several effective treatments. The basic idea is to reward addicted people for making healthier, recovery-oriented choices. However, research has made it very clear: The rewards must have some value, and the reward must be substantial. Again, this has a common sense ring to it.
How operant conditioning is important in health system?
Operant conditioning techniques provide relatively quick and effective ways to change behavior. Carefully planned programs using behavior modification procedures can readily be applied to health care.Sep 9, 2016
Which technique is an example of operant conditioning in behavior therapy?
Positive reinforcement describes the best known examples of operant conditioning: receiving a reward for acting in a certain way. Many people train their pets with positive reinforcement.
How is operant conditioning used in everyday life?
A child is scolded (unpleasant event) for ignoring homework (undesirable behavior.) A parent gives a child a time-out (unpleasant consequence) for throwing tantrums (unwanted behavior.) The police gives a driver a ticket (unpleasant stimulus) for speeding (unwanted behavior.)Mar 8, 2022
What are the important concepts of operant conditioning?
The basic concept behind operant conditioning is that a stimulus (antecedent) leads to a behavior, which then leads to a consequence. This form of conditioning involves reinforcers, both positive and negative, as well as primary, secondary, and generalized. Primary reinforcers are things like food, shelter, and water.
How does operant conditioning modify behavior?
Operant conditioning can also be used to decrease a behavior via the removal of a desirable outcome or the application of a negative outcome. For example, a child may be told they will lose recess privileges if they talk out of turn in class. This potential for punishment may lead to a decrease in disruptive behaviors.Jun 3, 2020
How do behavior therapists apply principles of operant conditioning in behavior modification?
Operant Conditioning Behavioral therapy techniques use reinforcement, punishment, shaping, modeling, and related techniques to alter behavior. These methods have the benefit of being highly focused, which means they can produce fast and effective results.Aug 31, 2021
What are three examples of applications of operant conditioning?
Let's have some relevant examples of positive reinforcement:Homework Completion. A student tends to complete his/her homework daily; because he/she knows that he/she will be rewarded with a candy (action) or praise (behavior).Cleaning Room. ... Incentives and Bonuses. ... Discounts and Benefits.
How does operant conditioning work?
Operant conditioning is a powerful method to induce behavioral learning; through operant conditioning, modification of a behavior is induced by the consequence of that behavior. In 1983, Wolpaw et al. (1983) showed for the first time that a properly designed operant-conditioning protocol could change the spinal stretch reflex (SSR), a large monosynaptic behavior arising from the excitation of muscle spindle afferents. Variations of this protocol have been applied to condition the SSR or its electrical analog, the H-reflex, in monkeys, rats, humans, and mice; they have confirmed that a specific change (i.e., up- or down-regulation) can be induced in the targeted reflex through operant conditioning (for review: Thompson and Wolpaw, 2014a; Wolpaw, 2010 ).
How does Operant Conditioning differ from Classical Conditioning?
Operant conditioning differs from classical conditioning in that it is dependent on voluntary actions performed by the subject. Such learning obeys Thorndike's law of effect, which states that a voluntary behaviour that produces a rewarding outcome is more likely to be repeated. If the reward is a positive outcome (such as food when hungry) the process is referred to as positive reinforcement. If in contrast the reward is the prevention of an unpleasant outcome, the process is referred to as negative reinforcement. It should be noted that both positive and negative reinforcement lead to an increase in the probability that the voluntary action will be performed. This contrasts with punishment, where the outcome of a voluntary action is unpleasant (such as an electric shock), leading to a decrease in the probability of the voluntary action being performed.
Why is operant conditioning important for animals?
While operant conditioning is a form of learning, this paradigm is often used to study other behaviors, such as reward, attention, and impulsivity.
Why is partial reinforcement important?
This is of importance in relation to gambling, where a partial reinforcement schedule such as that used in slot machines leads vulnerable individuals to continue gambling at a high rate.
What is operational conditioning?
Instead, the term refers to an important form of learning, or conditioning, in which behavior is primarily controlled by its consequences. The consequences of a particular kind of behavior in one setting can either increase or decrease the probability of such behavior occurring in similar settings in the future. Descriptions of the consequences of behavior, called rules, can have similar effects. A great deal is known concerning how consequences affect behavior, and this knowledge has been put to good use in designing interventions shown to be effective across a wide range of client populations, behavior problems, and settings.
What is positive reinforcement?
If the reward is a positive outcome (such as food when hungry) the process is referred to as positive reinforcement. If in contrast the reward is the prevention of an unpleasant outcome, the process is referred to as negative reinforcement.
Who was the first behaviourist to make a distinction between respondent behaviour and operant behaviour?
Operant conditioning was clearly demonstrated by Skinner, working a little before Pavlov, through his work with rats in mazes. He was the first behaviourist to make a distinction between respondent behaviour (that which is triggered automatically) and operant behaviour (that which occurs voluntarily).
What is Operant Conditioning?
Operant conditioning has resulted in several effective treatments. The basic idea is to reward addicted people for making healthier, recovery-oriented choices. However, research has made it very clear: The rewards must have some value, and the reward must be substantial. Again, this has a common sense ring to it.
Why is addiction a learned behavior?
Addiction is a learned behavior because the initial pleasure or enjoyment was rewarding. According to the principles of operant conditioning, rewarded behaviors will increase. Of particular concern is that most addictive substances and activities are immediately rewarding. Research has taught us that when we immediately reward a behavior people ...
Why is punishment important in addiction?
Punishment also plays an important role in the development of addiction. If there is an early and significant punishment (perhaps a DUI, or a medical problem) then the addiction might not develop. In many cases, punishments for addiction occur much later, when the addiction is already firmly in place.
What is the purpose of CRAFT?
CRAFT teaches concerned significant others (CSO's) to reward the addicted person's positive, healthy behaviors. These behaviors oppose addiction.
What is the second learning principle?
Operant conditioningis the second learning principle. This type of learning occurs due to the cause-and-effect relationship between a behavior and its consequences. Operant conditioning has a common sense element. When we reward a behavior, it increases. When we punish a behavior, it decreases.
Is it difficult to change addictive behavior?
Simultaneously, unhealthy cognitive and emotional patterns have become well-established. This too makes it more difficult to change addictive behavior. Therefore, in these later stages of addiction punishment alone is usually insufficient to create a lasting change.
Is it rewarding to eat food after Thanksgiving?
For a very hungry person food might be very rewarding. However, if someone just finished a Thanksgiving feast, food is unlikely to be rewarding. Addictions research has demonstrated that by rewarding some people with inexpensive but desired items they can increase the number of abstinent days.
What is Operant Conditioning?
Operant conditioning has resulted in several effective treatments. The basic idea is to reward addicted people for making healthier, recovery-oriented choices. However, research has made it very clear: The rewards must have some value, and the reward must be substantial. Again, this has a common sense ring to it.
What does a CSO learn?
The CSO's also learn to remove rewards for unhealthy behaviors. These behaviors support addiction. For instance, a wife may plan a pleasant evening for her husband when he comes home from work, without stopping at a bar. However, if he comes home drunk, her kind attention is withdrawn.
What is the purpose of the CRAFT?
CRAFT teaches family members to allow the negative consequences of addiction to affect the addicted person directly. This is often difficult for family members. Out of care and concern for their loved one, they have prevented these consequences from occurring.
What is the second learning principle?
Operant conditioning is the second learning principle. This type of learning occurs due to the cause-and-effect relationship between a behavior and its consequences. Operant conditioning has a common sense element. When we reward a behavior, it increases.
Why do some people not enjoy certain substances or activities?
Some people do not enjoy certain substances or activities. This protects them from developing an addiction simply because those substances or activities are not enjoyable. They are not rewarding. Addiction is a learned behavior because the initial pleasure or enjoyment was rewarding.
What is the role of punishment in addiction?
This creates an unfortunate but powerful addictive cycle. Punishment also plays an important role in the development of addiction. If there is an early and significant punishment (perhaps a DUI, or a medical problem) then the addiction might not develop.
What is the social component of the biopsychosocial spiritual model?
The social portion of the Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual model stresses the importance of interpersonal relationships. Therefore, addiction treatment often needs to include family members or other people who have a close personal relationship with the addict.
What is operation conditioning?
Operant conditioning is a neuromodulation training method for modifying a behavior based on the consequence of that behavior. Simply, when the consequence of a behavior is positive, its occurrence increases. When the consequence of a behavior is negative, its occurrence decreases.
Which two pathways are operant conditioning programs designed to target?
Our ongoing operant conditioning programs are designed to target one of the two pathways: Hoffmann (H-) reflex pathway and corticospinal pathway. It is possible to train other neural pathways through operant conditioning
What is the corticospinal pathway?
The corticospinal pathway is a descending motor pathway from sensory and motor areas of the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord, where it forms synaptic connections with α-motoneurons and interneurons. The corticospinal pathway is essential for voluntary motor control of the body and limbs and motor skill learning.
What is the response of the afferents to a muscle stretch?
If the afferents are excited by muscle stretch, the response is the spinal stretch reflex. A well-known example is the knee jerk reflex, evoked by tapping of the patellar tendon. If the afferents are stimulated electrically, the response is the H-reflex.
How does reflex behavior improve?
With continued practice, the reflex pathway gradually changes. This improves the reflex behavior. Because we use reflex behaviors in activities of daily living, improving a reflex behavior also improves important activities such as walking, eating, and dressing.
What is the purpose of ROC?
To administer reflex operant conditioning (ROC), surface electrodes are placed on the skin over the target muscle to monitor its activity. A pair of stimulation electrodes are placed on the skin over the target muscle’s nerve to elicit the reflex response.
What is ROC in psychology?
With ROC, through trial and error, a person can learn to produce a rewarded (i.e., positive) reflex behavior. With continued practice, the reflex pathway gradually changes.
How are operant and classical conditioning similar?
Although classical and operant conditioning share similarities in the way that they influence behavior and assist in the learning process, there are important differences between the two types of conditioning. During classical conditioning, a person learns by observation, associating two stimuli with each other.
Who developed the theory of operant conditioning?
The theory was developed by the American psychologist B. F. Skinner following experiments beginning in the 1930s, which involved the use of an operant conditioning chamber. Operant and classical conditioning remain important theories in our understanding of how humans and other animals learn new forms of behavior.
What is the meaning of schedules of reinforcement?
Ferster and Skinner (1957) found that schedules of reinforcement - the rate at which a reinforcement is repeated - can greatly influence operant conditioning. A number of types of schedules of reinforcement have been proposed by Skinner, Ferster and others, including:
What did Skinner believe?
As a fellow behaviorist, Skinner believed that conditioning played a significant role in the learning process. He studied Thorndike’s law of effect using a piece of experimental apparatus now known as an operant conditioning chamber, or ‘Skinner box’.
What is the role of reinforcement in conditioning?
It emphasises the effect that rewards and punishments for specific behaviors can have on a person’s future actions. The theory was developed by the American psychologist B. F.
What stimulus did dogs use to salivate?
Repeated classical conditioning had led to the door becoming a conditioned stimulus, which prompted the dogs to salivate.
What was Pavlov's dog's research?
Pavlov conducted additional research, known as the ‘Pavlov’s dog’ experiments, in which he further investigating classical conditioning as a form of learning.
What is operant conditioning?
Operant conditioning is the process of learning through reinforcement and punishment. In operant conditioning, behaviors are strengthened or weakened based on the consequences of that behavior. Operant conditioning was defined and studied by behavioral psychologist B.F. Skinner.
Why is operant conditioning considered incomplete?
First, operant conditioning is accused of being an incomplete explanation for learning because it neglects the role of biological and cognitive elements.
What is shaping in behavioral science?
Behavior Shaping. Operant conditioning can lead to increasingly complex behaviors through shaping, also referred to as the “method of approximations.”. Shaping happens in a step-by-step fashion as each part of a more intricate behavior is reinforced. Shaping starts by reinforcing the first part of the behavior.
Why are conditional reinforcers not innately desirable?
Conditioned reinforcers reinforce behavior not because they are innately desirable, but because we learn to associate them with primary reinforcers. For example, Paper money is not innately desirable, but it can be used to acquire innately desirable goods, such as food and shelter.
What is reinforcement schedule?
Schedules of Reinforcement. In the real world, behavior is not constantly reinforced. Skinner found that the frequency of reinforcement can impact how quickly and how successfully one learns a new behavior. He specified several reinforcement schedules, each with different timing and frequencies.
What happens when reinforcement is stopped?
Continuous reinforcement occurs when a particular response follows each and every performance of a given behavior. Learning happens rapidly with continuous reinforcement. However, if reinforcement is stopped, the behavior will quickly decline and ultimately stop altogether, which is referred to as extinction.
How did Skinner conduct his experiments?
To study operant conditioning, Skinner conducted experiments using a “Skinner Box,” a small box that had a lever at one end that would provide food or water when pressed. An animal, like a pigeon or rat, was placed in the box where it was free to move around. Eventually the animal would press the lever and be rewarded.
Who developed operant conditioning?
Influential on the development of Skinner’s operant conditioning, Edward Lee Thorndike (1874-1949) proposed the law of effect (Thorndike, 1905) which says if our behavior produces a favorable consequence, in the future when the same stimulus is present, we will be more likely to make the response again because we expect the same favorable consequence. Likewise, if our action leads to dissatisfaction, then we will not repeat the same behavior in the future.
What is the difference between respondent and operant behavior?
In contrast, respondent behaviors are elicited by stimuli (either the US or CS) such as a dog salivating to either the sight of food (US) or the sound of a bell (CS/NS).
What is abolishing operation?
Second, an abolishing operation is when an event makes a reinforcer or punisher less potent. Reinforcers become less reinforcing (i.e. behavior is less likely to occur) and punishers less punishing (i.e. behavior is more likely to occur). See Table 6.2 below for examples of establishing and abolishing operations.
What is an establishing or abolishing operation?
At times, events make a reinforcer or punisher more or less reinforcing or punishing. We call these motivating operations, and they can take the form of an establishing or an abolishing operation. First, an establishing operation is when an event makes a reinforcer or punisher more potent. Reinforcers become more reinforcing (i.e. behavior is more likely to occur) and punishers more punishing (i.e. behavior is less likely to occur). Second, an abolishing operation is when an event makes a reinforcer or punisher less potent. Reinforcers become less reinforcing (i.e. behavior is less likely to occur) and punishers less punishing (i.e. behavior is more likely to occur). See Table 6.2 below for examples of establishing and abolishing operations.
How does the shuttle avoidance procedure work?
In what is called the discriminated avoidance procedure an animal is provided with a signal that an aversive event is about to occur but has enough time to engage in a behavior to avoid this event. Such procedures are conducted in what is called the shuttle box or an apparatus consisting of two compartments separated by a wall with an opening at floor level. The animal is placed on the left side, let’s say, and when the trial starts a light or tone occurs (the CS). If the animal moves from the left side to the right side through the opening, then nothing happens, and this is considered an avoidance trial. If it does not move (i.e. it does not engage in avoidance behavior), it receives a shock (US) which continues until the expected behavior occurs (moving to the right side). This is considered an escape trial. The next trial has the rat or mouse starting on the right side and having to move to the left side and then this back and forth behavior continues resulting in what is called shuttle avoidance and represents two-way shuttle avoidance. Of course, the animal could be placed on the same side for each trial, called one-way avoidance. Early in training, the animal makes more escape behaviors but as it learns, it makes more avoidance behaviors. Also, learning is easier in the one-way avoidance paradigm than in two-way shuttle avoidance since in the latter the animal is returned to the side that was previously dangerous.
What is the term for a stimulus that is not reinforced?
Discriminative Stimuli. Sometimes a behavior is reinforced in the presence of a specific stimulus and not reinforced when the stimulus or antecedent is not present. These stimuli signal when reinforcement will occur, or not, and are called discriminative stimuli (also called an SD).
How to determine when and how often to reinforce a behavior?
In operant conditioning, the rule for determining when and how often we will reinforce a desired behavior is called the reinforcement schedule. Reinforcement can either occur continuously, meaning that every time the desired behavior is made the person or animal will receive a reinforcer, or intermittently/partially, meaning that reinforcement does not occur with every behavior. Our focus will be on partial/intermittent reinforcement. In terms of when continuous reinforcement might be useful, consider trying to train your cat to use the litter box (and not your carpet). Every time the cat uses the litter box you would want to give it a treat. This will be the trend early in training. Once the cat is using the litter box regularly you can switch to an intermittent schedule and eventually just faze out reinforcement. So how might an intermittent schedule look?