Human Development
Conditioning
Description:
Reflexes are behavioural acts without a specific genetic or physiological background and rely entirely on a particular sensory event. One method of accomplishing control, and of describing the data of such modification of behaviour on conceptual and physical levels, is conditioning. Conditioning is an experimental procedure for bringing natural reflexes within experimental manipulation. Instrumental conditioning occurs when the reinforcement, upon which the conditioned bond depends, occurs after the response has been made. The response is thus understood to be instrumental in obtaining the reinforcement. In the case of operant conditioning, behaviour which produces satisfactory consequences is strengthened, whilst behaviour which produces unsatisfactory consequences is weakened. Response can be varied by arranging that reinforcement conform to schedules dependent upon fixed or changeable intervals of time, or permanent or temporary ratios of action. By combining these possibilities into sequential or concurrent assemblies, behaviour of a specific kind can be produced and maintained.