Behaviorist theory of learning (Skinner)

Here are some principles that B.F. Skinner identified in his research:

• Pleasant experiences (such as rewards or praise) are positive reinforcers. They cause learners to make desired connections between stimuli and responses.
• Unpleasant experiences (such as punishment) are negative reinforcers. They cause learners to avoid undesirable responses to stimuli.
• Continuous reinforcement increases the rate of learning.
• Intermittent reinforcement contributes to longer retention of what is learned.
• Both positive and negative reinforcement can shape behavior.
• A lack of any reinforcement can also shape behavior. If people receive no acknowledgement of their behavior, they will likely change that behavior until they receive some kind of reinforcement.

• Behaviorist theories of learning

• Fact module: Behaviorist theory of learning (Skinner)
• In overview module: Behaviorist theories of learning
• In overview module: Learning theories, by Patricia M. Davis
• In overview module: Learning research, by Patricia M. Davis
• In overview module: Reading and learning research, by Kenneth A. Boothe (contributor) and Leah B. Walter (contributor)
• In modular book: Implement a literacy program, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler) and Leah B. Walter (compiler)
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 2 July 1998

© 1999 SIL International