
What is instrumental conditioning theory of learning?
In other words, instrumental conditioning or operant conditioning theory of learning is the process that involves changes in human behavior depending upon the consequences of a significant event. If the event produced positive outcomes that lead to a positive change in human behavior, then the individual would learn to repeat such behaviors.
What are the three components of instrumental learning?
He believed that instrumental learning consists of a three-component system called the three-term contingency that includes an antecedent stimulus, the target response, and the consequence (for a detailed review, see Domjan 2015 ).
What is the difference between Pavlovian conditioning and instrumental learning?
Instrumental learning differs from Pavlovian (aka respondent or reflexive) conditioning in that it involves voluntary behaviors or actions, both overt and covert. Consequences are typically classified as either reinforcing (which have a strengthening effect on the response) or punishing (which have a weakening effect).
When is the likelihood of instrumental learning maximal?
When a behavior directly produces the consequence, the likelihood of instrumental learning is maximal. However, there are exceptions. In cases of accident reinforcement (i.e., the accidental occurrence of an appetitive stimulus immediately after a specific behavior), it is possible for a behavior to change superstitiously.

What is an example of instrumental learning?
Examples of Instrumental Conditioning For example, if a student is rewarded with praise every time she raises her hand in class, she becomes more likely to raise her hand again in the future. If she is also scolded when she speaks out of turn, she becomes less likely to interrupt the class.
What is the instrumental theory of learning?
Operant conditioning (also known as Instrumental learning) is a theory which assumes that you can learn human beings things by conditioning them by consequences. The original response will be influenced by a following consequence, which will change the future probability of that response.
What is an example of instrumental behavior?
Instrumental behavior is commonly seen when problem-solving is being employed. Direct actions (for example, opening a door) do not always work. The door might be locked or otherwise jammed, so instrumental behavior is employed to find another way to open the door, which would be considered a reward.
What is instrumental conditioning in learning?
Instrumental conditioning (also called operant conditioning) is a procedure in which a reinforcement, such as food, is delivered contingent upon a response, although it may also be contingent upon the time of occurrence of a previous stimulus or reinforcement.
What is the difference between instrumental and operant conditioning?
In Instrumental Conditioning, the focus is on the S and how it affects the response. In Operant conditioning, what follows the response is the most important. That is, the consequent stimulus. Thus, you have a Stimulus that causes a Response, which is in turn followed, by a consequent stimulus.
Is instrumental learning classical conditioning?
The main difference between classical conditioning and instrumental conditioning is that classical conditioning involves involuntary behaviour, whereas instrumental conditioning involves voluntary behaviour.
What is the difference between instrumental and expressive behavior?
Instrumental behaviour is about getting something done. For instance, eating a meal because you're hungry is instrumental behaviour. Expressive behaviour is about sending out social signals.
What is the difference between expressive and instrumental?
Instrumental action refers to action as an attempt to influence the social and political environment; expressive action refers to action as an expression of people's views.
What is instrumental aggression in psychology?
On the other hand, instrumental aggression is when an individual intentionally acts aggressively to achieve a particular purpose. This type is different from hostile aggression because there is no emotional drive in the aggression but a purpose. It also refers to cognitive aggression.
Why is it called instrumental conditioning?
This is another form of conditioned learning, which is called instrumental conditioning because the animal learns that a behavior is “instrumental” in increasing the likelihood that a reinforcer will occur.
What are different elements of instrumental conditioning?
There are 4 elements that describe operant conditioning:positive reinforcement;negative reinforcment;punishment;extinction.
Why is instrumental conditioning called instrumental?
Operant, or instrumental, conditioning is so called because, in making their responses, learners provide the instrument by which a problem is solved. Such learning is more important to schoolwork, for teachers are concerned ultimately with drawing forth new responses from their students.
Who was instrumental in developing behaviorism?
John Watson was the founder of behaviorist theory. Quite innovatively, for the time, he found Freudian-based explanations of behavior too theoretical and disagreed with the eugenic idea of heredity determining how one behaves.
What are examples of operant conditioning 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.)
Why is it called instrumental conditioning?
This is another form of conditioned learning, which is called instrumental conditioning because the animal learns that a behavior is “instrumental” in increasing the likelihood that a reinforcer will occur.
What are the different types of instrumental conditioning and what do they involve?
These 4 types are categorized according to:Nature of the outcome controlled by the behavior.Relationship or contingency between the response.Positive reinforcement – also called reward training.Punishment.Negative reinforcement.Negative reinforcement (Escape/Avoidance)Omission Training.Omission Training.
What is instrumental learning?
Instrumental learning is a type of learning in which behaviors are strengthened or weakened by their consequences. It refers to nonreflexive behaviors that are instrumental in producing changes to the environment. Instrumental learning differs from Pavlovian (aka respondent or reflexive) conditioning in that it involves voluntary behaviors or actions, both overt and covert. Consequences are typically classified as either reinforcing (which have a strengthening effect on the response) or punishing (which have a weakening effect).
Who wrote the sensory basis of spatial memory in the rat?
Zoldek, L. , & Roberts, W. A. (1978). The sensory basis of spatial memory in the rat. Animal Learning & Behavior, 6, 77–81. CrossRef Google Scholar
What is Instrumental Conditioning?
Instrumental Conditioning is the other name of operant conditioning. It is a form of learning that associates a behavior with the occurrence of a significant event.
What is the method of learning that is applied using reinforcements and punishments so that an individual exhibits the desired behavior?
Operant Conditioning, also referred to as Instrumental Conditioning in Psychology, is a method of learning that is applied using reinforcements and punishments so that an individual exhibits the desired behavior.
What are the two types of learning that have been studied intensively?
Instrumental Conditioning (also referred to as Operant Conditioning) and Classical Conditioning are the two types of learning that have been studied intensively.
Why do we need functional behavioral analysis?
Well, Skinner suggested that you need to undertake functional behavioral analysis in order to understand and control the behavior of the subject.
How does the principle of reward motivate a child to continue performing the desired behavior?
This Principle motivates a child to continue performing the desired behavior by giving him a reward after a long period of time or after giving more number of correct responses.
Why did psychology lack the preparation to develop theories?
According to B.F. Skinner, the field of Psychology lacked the preparation to develop theories due to insufficiency of data to justify a theory.
When does reinforcement take place?
Under this schedule, reinforcement takes place after a variable number of responses are completed.

Examples of Instrumental Conditioning
History of Instrumental Conditioning
- Psychologist E.L. Thorndike was one of the first to observe the impact of reinforcement in puzzle box experiments with cats.2 During these experiments, Thorndike observed a learning process that he referred to as “trial-and-error” learning. The experiments involved placing a hungry cat in a puzzle box, and in order to free itself, the cat had to figure out how to escape. Thorndike then no…
How Instrumental Conditioning Works
- Skinner identified two key types of behaviors. The first type is respondent behaviors. These are simply actions that occur reflexively without any learning.3 If you touch something hot, you will immediately draw your hand back in response. Classical conditioning focuses on these respondent behaviors. In Pavlov's classic experiments with dogs, sali...
Reinforcement and Punishment
- Skinner identified two key aspects of the operant conditioning process. Reinforcement serves to increase the behavior, while punishment serves to decrease the behavior. There are also two different types of reinforcement and two different types of punishment.3 1. Positive reinforcementinvolves presenting a favorable outcome, such as giving a child a treat after she cl…