#AP Psychology (2025) - Operant Conditioning: Your Ultimate Study Guide 🚀

Hey there, future AP Psych superstar! Let's dive into operant conditioning, a core concept that's all about how consequences shape our actions. This guide will help you nail this topic, even if you're reviewing the night before the exam. We'll break it down, make it memorable, and get you feeling confident. Let's go!

#Introduction to Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning is a type of learning where behaviors are strengthened or weakened based on their consequences. Think of it as learning through rewards and punishments. It's super practical and explains a lot about how we and animals learn. Let's get into the details!

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• Core Idea: Actions are shaped by what follows them—consequences. This is based on Thorndike's Law of Effect: behaviors with good outcomes are more likely to be repeated, while those with bad outcomes are less likely to be repeated. 💡
• Reinforcement: Increases the likelihood of a behavior.
  • Example: A dog gets a treat for sitting, so it sits more often. 🐕
• Punishment: Decreases the likelihood of a behavior.
  • Example: Getting a speeding ticket makes you less likely to speed.

#Types of Reinforcement and Punishment

It's crucial to distinguish between these four types. Let's make it crystal clear:

• Positive Reinforcement: Adding something pleasant to increase a behavior. Think of it as 'adding something good'.
  • Example: Praising a child for cleaning their room. 👏
• Negative Reinforcement: Removing something unpleasant to increase a behavior. Think of it as 'removing something bad'.
  • Example: Taking painkillers to get rid of a headache. 🤕
• Positive Punishment: Adding something unpleasant to decrease a behavior. Think of it as 'adding something bad'.
  • Example: Scolding a puppy for chewing furniture.
• Negative Punishment: Removing something pleasant to decrease a behavior. Think of it as 'removing something good'.
  • Example: Taking away a teenager's phone for breaking curfew.

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• Primary Reinforcers: Innately rewarding (e.g., food, water).
• Secondary Reinforcers: Learned rewards (e.g., money, praise).
• **Reinforcem...