Motivation of Behavior Research Paper (Essay Sample)

Motivation of Behavior
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Motivation of Behavior
B.F skinners theory is one that focuses on the observable behavior as opposed to what happens in the mind. His arguments were based on a view that explained classical conditioning was far too simple to be applied to explain human behavior that is highly complex. His approach focused on operant conditioning. In his view the best approach to understand the human behavior is to pay attention to the causes of an action, as well as, its consequences. In operant conditioning, the intentional actions by an operant have an impact on the external environment. He looked into the processes that were likely to be behind particular operant behaviors. This paper shall focus on reinforcement learning in education and behavioral therapy in the modern-day.
Operant conditioning is a term that refers to the altering of one’s behavior using reinforcement that is given after a certain desired response. There are various responses that are related to behavior. The first one is a neutral operant that does not change the probability of a repeat of a certain behavior. The next one is reinforcers that increase the probability of a behavior being repeated either positively or negatively. The final response is punishment that weakens behavior but decreases the probability of behavior being repeated (Grusec, & Hastings, 2015). 
Positive reinforcement is believed to strengthen behavior by offering a consequence that is rewarding. Removal of certain reinforcers that are found to be unpleasant or negative reinforcement often strengthens behavior. It strengthens behavior since it removes or stops certain experiences that are found to be unpleasant. Punishment is described as opposite reinforcement since it is aimed at eliminating or weakening certain behavior as opposed to increase it. Punishment can be in the form of applying an unpleasant stimulus or removing stimulus that is rewarding.
Punishment, as an approach of reinforcement learning has been found to be ineffective due to various reasons. This includes the fact that punishment does not lead to forgetting of the behavior rather it leads to suppression of certain behavior. Such behavior is likely to return when the punishment is withdrawn. It often leads to increased aggression in people who find it as a way to cope with issues. In some people, it can create fear that has potential to develop to undesirable behavior. Punishment also does not necessarily lead toward certain desired behavior rather it emphasizes on what should not be done (Grusec, & Hastings, 2015).
Application of Reinforcement Learning in Education
Reinforcement is a process that expands conduct. In the classroom, reinforcement happens as instructors deal with the environmental occasions that students preferred ways of behaving expand the quality and future probability of that behavior. Reinforcement comes in two sorts—positive and negative. Positive reinforcement happens when wanted behavior is fortified by the presentation of an unforeseen stimulus. The alluring, behavior expanding, contingent stimulus utilized amid positive reinforcement is alluded to as a positive reinforcer. A positive reinforcer is characterized as any external occasion that, when given in light of the behavior, builds the quality and recurrence of that behavior. Some usually utilized positive reinforcers as a part of the classroom are applause, consideration, tokens, and stickers (Neukrug, 2012). 
Negative reinforcement happens when desired behavior is reinforced by the removal of rewarding stimuli. The aversive behavior that is unforeseen stimuli that is removed in the event of negative reinforcement is referred to as a negative reinforcer (Grusec, & Hastings, 2015). A negative reinforcer is characterized as any environmental occasion that, when taken away because of the behavior, builds the quality and recurrence of that behavior. Some generally utilized negative reinforcers as a part of the classroom include taking away an aversive task such as homework or crossing out an errand. In the conventional learning circumstance operant learning applies to a great extent to issues of class and management of students, as opposed to learning substance. It is exceptionally important to molding skill performance.
A basic approach to shape behavior is to give input on learner execution. This includes encouragement, affirmation, approval, and compliments to the learners. A variable proportion creates the most noteworthy reaction for students learning new tasks. At first reinforcement happens at continuous interims, and as the execution enhances reinforcement happens less often, until in the long run just excellent results are reinforced (Hayes, Barnes-Holmes, & Roche, 2001).
For instance, in a case where teachers want to encourage students to participate in class, the teacher should compliment and encourage the students for efforts made regardless of whether it is correct or not. This could transition to praising the students only when they answer questions correctly. As the learners become excellent at participating in class, only the exceptional students will be complimented. Negative reinforcement can be applied in eliminating unwanted behavior such as dominating discussions in class. This can be attained by ignoring such students as opposed to drawing attention to them (Hayes, Barnes-Holmes, & Roche, 2001).
Application of Reinforcement Learning in Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy borrows from the concept of behaviorism that emphasizes that learning occurs from our surrounding. In behavioral therapy, the main objective is to reinforce the positive conduct and eliminate the maladaptive behavior. As opposed to other types of therapy that are based on insight, behavioral therapy is action based. The techniques that are applied in behavioral therapy rely on the various principles that are highlighted in operant conditioning. This includes reinforcement, punishment, as well as, other related techniques. These techniques are highly focused thus they can attain effective results at a faster rate.
There are various strategies and techniques that are applied from operant conditioning in behavioral therapy. This includes token economies that rely on reinforcement to attain certain behavior in clients. The clients are allowed to earn tokens that can be traded for certain privileges or desired stimuli (Hayes, Barnes-Holmes, & Roche, 2001). This strategy is applied by parents to foster reinforce good behavior in their childre...