Psych

1. Distinguish between operant conditioning, observational learning, and social learning. How are these different kinds of learning utilized in the work place? Give specific examples for each one.

Operant conditioning is based on what happens after we voluntarily perform a behavior. For example, an employee in training learns what is to be expected and may have difficulty understanding. The trainer steps in to help guide and show the employee in training. The person n training finally catches on and does a great job. The new employee gets a reputation of being a great employee but may need a little more time in training when it comes to having to learn other tasks. The trainer also, earns a good reputation of being an excellent trainer and showing how to make a quality employee.

Observational Learning is to learn new behavior is to learn new behavior by watching others. For example, an employee may not know how a certain procedure works so they watch somebody who knows how to do the task as hand that is asked of them. Maybe the employee is told to do something simple like throw out the old product the company has in stock. Rather than just throwing it away it is best to find out if there is a procedure and watch an employee who knows how to toss items and show you. This may involve writing down (keeping a record) as to what you are throwing away and may require certain trash areas to put the product. Maybe it may need to be shredded or put into a metal container to be collected.

The last is Social learning, is when we may observe something or someone and copy them. For example, you are the new person at work and my not know where to put your personal items. You watch a veteran employee check out a lock for a locker and follow in their footsteps copying them.