Operant Conditioning: Example Analysis
Does the consequence STRENGTHEN or WEAKEN the behavior?
Strengthen
(Reinforcement)
Weaken
(Punishment)
As a consequence of the
behavior, is something
ADDED or
REMOVED/AVOIDED?
Added
(Positive)
Positive Reinforcement
Positive stimulus after desired
behavior.
EX: You get $20 for each A on
your report card
Positive Punishment
Negative consequence after an
undesirable behavior.
EX: You get made fun of for
picking your nose in class
Removed
(Negative)
Negative Reinforcement
Negative stimulus removed
after desired behavior.
EX: You do your homework to
avoid your teacher and parents
from nagging you.
Negative Punishment
Desired stimulus is removed
after an undesirable behavior.
EX: You are not allowed to
drive your car after you are
sassy with your parents.
Directions:
For each of the following examples, explain the following:
1. What type of reinforcement or punishment is it?
2. What is the negative or positive stimulus and the desired or undesirable behavior?
Example 1: Big Bang Theory
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt4N9GSBoMI. It’s also linked on the Docs page
of my DP.
1. Type of reinforcement or punishment:____________________________________________
2. Negative or positive stimulus:___________________________________________________
3. Desired or undesirable behavior:_________________________________________________
