Which statement is correct according to Operant Conditioning ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Operant Conditioning is a learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment. Let's explore why Option 1 is correct and why the other options are incorrect:

1. **Option 1: Negative reinforcement increases desirable behaviour.**  
   This statement is correct. In operant conditioning, negative reinforcement involves the removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior. For example, if a loud noise stops when a lever is pressed, the pressing of the lever is likely to increase because the unpleasant noise is removed. Thus, negative reinforcement strengthens desirable behavior by eliminating negative conditions.

2. **Option 2: Once a behaviour is learned, it is not forgotten.**  
   This statement is incorrect. Behaviors learned through operant conditioning can be forgotten or extinguished if they are not reinforced over time. Without reinforcement, the learned behavior may decrease in frequency and eventually disappear.

3. **Option 3: Punishment is positive reinforcement.**  
   This statement is incorrect. Punishment and positive reinforcement are distinct concepts in operant conditioning. Punishment involves presenting an unpleasant stimulus or removing a pleasant one to decrease the likelihood of a behavior. In contrast, positive reinforcement involves presenting a pleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior. They serve opposite functions in behavior modification.

4. **Option 4: Negative reinforcement increases undesirable behaviour.**  
   This statement is incorrect. Negative reinforcement is specifically used to increase desirable behavior by removing an aversive stimulus. It does not increase undesirable behavior; rather, it encourages the repetition of behavior that leads to the removal of negative conditions.

In summary, Option 1 is the correct statement because negative reinforcement effectively increases desirable behavior by removing negative stimuli, thereby encouraging the repetition of the behavior that led to the removal of the unpleasant condition.