Operant Conditioning
We have become conditioned to give a particluar response to a particular stimulus. The liklihood of the response is dependant on the strength of the bond between the stimulus and the response. This is called the stimulus-response link. Operant conditioning is manipulating behaviour to shape the correct response through the use of reinforcement.
But how do we get the performer to give the desired response?
The desired behaviour is a particular technique or movement that we wish a performer to learn and reproduce. there are two learning processes that may be used to gain a desired performance.
- trial and error
- demonstrations and practise
The combination of these two learning processes supports the view that learners will experience a wide range of learning processes as they aquire motot skills.
How is the link or bond between the stimulus and the response created?
We create the link between stimulus and response by a using a process of reinforcement. Reinforcement is a process by which a connection (bond) between a stimulus and a response is established and developed. Reinforcement may take one of three forms:
- positive
- negative
- punishment
Positive reinforcement is achieved by rewarding the correct reponse. this leads us to repeat the action that lead to the extrinsic reward or intrinsic feeling of satisfaction and success.
Negative reinforcement is the process by which an aversive or unpleasant action is given when the wrong response is given but stopping this action when the correct reponse is given.
Punishment seeks to break the stimulus-reponse link. It is giving a stimulus to prevent a response occuring.
Conditioning
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