Psychology Operate Conditioning

Besides, there is another psychological concept called operant conditioning, which is basically defined as “a learning to make voluntary responses through the effects of positive and negative consequences” (Ciccarell&White,2011). Operant conditioning is relatively more effective due to the fact that its response is voluntary. Therefore, it is possibly more easy to control its response.

Operant conditioning is widely used among government in different policies. Negative punishment in operant conditioning can be reflected by the Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags. When people need plastic bags to pack their products after purchasethings, $0.5 is charged. In this case, money, which is pleasant to people, is taken away from the consumer in order to make people less likely to use the plastic bags. Most people are used to prepare the plastic bags when purchasing things result from charging money. This theory is very useful because the negative punishment may pose a threat to the original response by taking away something pleasant.

If appropriate punishment or reinforcement is given in education, the learning process can be manipulated, for instance, managing the class performance. The learning process not only focus on knowledge, but also the attitude. Most of us will pursuit joy and avoid something disagreeable. In view of this, we will alter our behavior. For example, some unwanted actions such as using devices for entertainment purpose during the lesson can be reduced by giving demerit. Students are afraid of receiving this harsh punishment. However, there is some point need to pay attention to. When positive punishment is adopted, the way of punishment should not be scolded and corporal. This kind of punishment is too harsh and unacceptable. Without doubt, it will cause a psychological damage and an opposite effect. The behavior would become worse than before.