This chapter of the book is aimed surveying several theories of learning. In this paper, I would like to focus on the idea of operant conditioning because it is critical for explaining the development of a person’s behavior.
In my view, this approach can indeed throw some light on the formation of a person’s values, attitudes, or principles, but it attaches too much importance on the consequences of an action, rather than internal motives of a person.
Additionally, this framework is not effective for discussing the situations when people take actions that contradict the law of effects. This is the critical limitation of this framework, and it should not be overlooked.
Overall, the principle of operant conditioning is based on the assumption that a person modifies the behavior depending upon the consequences of an action that he/she takes. According to the law of effect, the behaviors that lead to positive consequences are more likely to be adopted by an individual. In contrast, the negative consequences prompt a person to make corrections in his/her conduct and avoid certain actions.
This mechanism is essential for the learning of an individual. The modifications of these positive and negative consequences are described as reinforcements and punishments, and they are critical for explaining the way in which a person can acquire certain skills. These are the key postulates of this model. To some degree, the model of operant conditioning has been confirmed in empirical studies.
In my opinion, the theory of operant conditioning is quite applicable when one speaks about the behavior of animals. Moreover, it can tell much about the conduct of children. Nevertheless, it is not applicable for explaining many decisions that people take. In particular, judging from my observations, people do not necessarily think about rewards and punishments when they take actions.
For example, I was able to observe many teenagers who chose to violate the rules set by their parents even despite the possible punishments of their parents. For example, they did not want to come home at the predetermined time. To a great extent, their conduct reminded me of my own opposition to my parents. Such choices contradict the law of effect according to which a person is more likely to avoid the decisions that lead to negative consequences. This is one of the main points that I can make.
Certainly, the idea of operant conditioning is important for the explaining the leaning process among various species. Nevertheless, it does not explain those situations when an individual takes ethical choices that can harm his/her interests. This is another aspect that cannot be explained by the principles of operant conditioning. In my view, the supporters of this theory do not pay sufficient attention to the internal convictions of a person. This is one of the main issues that should not be overlooked by psychologists.
It has to be admitted that an individual inevitably takes into account the consequences of certain action. But one cannot say that the law of effect is always suitable for describing the conduct of a person. The principles of operant conditioning should be evaluated more closely so that psychologists could make more accurate predictions about the behavior of groups and individuals. This is the main arguments that can be put forward in this discussion.