Strengths+and+Weaknesses

B.F. Skinner – Operant Theory Skinner’s Operant Theory is a behavioral theory that changes in behavior are the result of an individual’s reaction to an event from the environment. He believed that reinforcement – positive or negative – had a last effect in a person’s response to any action. His theory is much like the constructivist theory, deeming that people learn from their experiences.
 * STRENGTHS || WEAKNESSES ||
 * When learning through experiences, if positively reinforced, positive actions will reoccur because positive reinforcement is expected. || If a person is taught something negative is positive, if positively reinforced, the individual will continue the same actions. ||
 * If a negative response if given to a negative action, the action will most likely not be performed again. For example, if a child sticks objects into their mouth and it is negatively reinforced, from that experience the child will learn to not put objects into their mouths. || If a negative reinforcement is given to a negative action, the action will not happen again but the action will leave a negative connotation. For example, if a student fails a science test, it could possible lead to the student despising the subject because of one failure. ||
 * Positive reinforcement does not have to be immediate or instant. || Negative reinforcement must be immediate because the individual must be very clear as to why they are receiving a negative response. ||
 * Reinforces must be in high demand and viewed as a reward. For example, teachers should reward a student’s behavior with something appealing to that child. || Positive reinforcement can be taken advantage of if children lose the meaning of why the action was positive. ||