Operant conditioning is when a behavior is learned in response to the consequences of that behavior. For example, if a person gets a reward (the reinforcer) for completing a task (the operant behavior), they are more likely to complete that task in the future. By understanding the principles of operant conditioning, we can gain insights into how rewards and punishments shape our actions and influence our future behavior. Its power lies in its ability to shape behavior through the strategic use of reinforcers. Rewards vary widely and are dependent on individual preferences and context. For example, they can range from tangible rewards like gifts or incentives to intangible rewards like praise or recognition.
The key is to identify and deliver meaningful and appealing reinforcers to the individual, thereby increasing the desired behavior's occurrence. Below are examples of therapeutic interventions that utilize principles of operant conditioning.