Skinner’s theory of operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is the idea that learning occurs through the consequence of behavior (Robbins et al., 2011). The consequence weakens or strengthens the behavior which will either result in the continuation or decrease of a behavior through reinforcement or punishment (Robbins et al., 2011). Reinforcement is when a favorable consequence, or stimulus, increases the behavior (Wong, 2012). Positive reinforcement is when the stimulus is presented, while negative reinforcement is the removal of an aversive stimulus, which increases the behavior (Wong, 2012). Therefore, Skinner would argue that two of Julie’s behavior are due to the consequences of the behavior. One behavior was learned through positive reinforcement while the other was learned through negative …show more content…
Pavlov’s classical conditioning is when people learn through associating a neutral stimulus with a naturally provoking stimulus (Robbins et al., 2011). The three stages of classical conditioning are before conditioning, during conditioning, and after conditioning. Before conditioning an unconditioned stimulus (USC), an unconditioned response, and a neutral stimulus are introduced. An unconditioned stimulus is an environmental event that a person’s body naturally reacts to in some manner, known as the unconditioned response (Thyer, 2012). The neutral stimulus is an environmental event that does not cause a response (Thyer, 2012). After conditioning, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) when it causes a reaction, conditioned response, similar to the USC (Thyer, 2012). During conditioning, the neutral stimulus and unconditioned stimulus become associated with one another through immediate timing (Thyer, 2012). In regards to Julie, it appears that her isolation is due to classical