The Positive and Negative of Operant Conditioning and The Most Effective Method There are many ways we can come about in behavior. An American psychologist, B.F. Skinner, introduced the theory of operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is known as associative learning and a learning process. The theory is made up of two factors in which behavior is modified through either reinforcement and or punishment. In this case, reinforcement is referring to having an increase in behavior and regarding to punishment its defined to decrease a behavior. The reinforcement and punishment can consist of being positive and or negative. In operant conditioning, the most effective method to utilize is positive reinforcement, which is beneficial for the change of one’s behavior. Positive Reinforcement Positive …show more content…
This method of operant conditioning allows a person and or animal to realize when something is being done correctly and that it should be followed in the future. This method is rewarding and allows it to be beneficial for someone. According to a research conducted to treat problem behavior in Atlanta, researchers finalized that “training and treatment analysis showed that treatments based on positive reinforcement were effective at reducing problem behavior. (Call, 2014). This research proves how positive reinforcement can provide a good outcome for future behaviors. Conclusion Operant conditioning is a theory which was developed by an American psychologist named B.F. Skinner. This theory has been known as a learning process. It applies to four different methods, that consists of positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment and negative punishment. In this case positive is seen as something being added and negative as something being taken away. The most effective method to utilize for changing a behavior in the future is positive reinforcement.