Psychology -> Operant conditioning in practice

Operant conditioning in practice

Animal training - The principles of shaping are used to teach animals certain behaviour. The animal is reinforced for any behaviour which moves toward the desired goal, as in animal training or training guide dogs.

Behaviour modification - Positive reinforcement and the withdrawal of reinforcement is administered to eliminate inappropriate behaviour and to teach new responses, i.e. modify behaviour.

Token economies - A technique which rewards people for appropriate behaviour with tokens which can then be traded for privileges. For example, primary school children could be given gold stars as a reward for good behaviour which could then be traded in for certain privileges at the end of the week. These privileges could range from time on the class computer or extra play time.