Negative reinforcement: occurs when performing an action stops something unpleasant happening. For example in one of Skinner’s experiment a rat had to press a lever to stop receiving an electric shock.
Punishment: this is an unpleasant consequence. For example being grounded for not doing your psychology homework.
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The Skinner Box (1953)
hungry rat placed in a cage. Every time he activated the lever - food pellet fell in food dispenser (positive reinforcement) rats quickly leatnt to go straight to lever after few times - suggests positive reinforcement increases likelihood the behavior being repeated.
Applications:
Behaviorism increased our understanding of causes of phobias and attachment.
It has also given rise to therapies such as systematic desensitisation and token economy.
Evaluation:
Sees all behaviour as determined by past experiences that have been conditioned - ignores free will.
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