How Does Instrumental Conditioning Play a Role in Behavioral Modification?

How Does Instrumental Conditioning Play a Role In Behavioral Modification?

C. Will

Introduction

The definition of instrumental conditioning varies in how it is written amongst resources. The main consensus is that instrumental conditioning involves acquiring the connection between a behavior and its consequence (Terry, 2009). Instrumental conditioning, also referred to as operant conditioning, is used in behavior modification and is applied through a series of reinforcements or punishments. Behavior modification is changing behavioral patterns by using conditioning techniques. Reinforcements or punishments applied within instrumental conditioning are used to decrease or increase a behavioral pattern.

Behavior modification is based on the work carried out by Burrhus Frederic Skinner. B.F. Skinner’s work was influenced by Thorndike’s Theory of Reinforcement which stated that satisfying consequences strengthen a stimulus – response connection while annoying consequences weaken a stimulus – response connection (Galef, 1998). B.F. Skinner’s work with instrumental condition included an experiment in which he used a Skinner box or Operant Conditioning Box. In this experiment, Skinner placed a rat in the box which contained a tray of food and a lever. Upon being placed in the box, the hungry rat would explore and sniff the box in search of food. When the rat would accidentally touch the lever, food would be released. Over time, the rat learned to touch the lever in order to release food and eventually became less hungry. In this experiment, the consequence of receiving food pellets played a significant role in how the rat behaved in the Skinner box. This consequence is called positive reinforcement.

As a part of the experiment, Skinner placed rats into a box that was wired to electricity that would deliver electric currents to rats to cause discomfort. Upon trying to escape, a rat would accidentally press the...