Everyone has been exposed to learning in one way or another, hence important to understand the basics of each type of learning based on the classical and operant conditioned as postulated by Ian Pavlov and B.F. Skinner. Classical conditioning was first described by Pavlov and entails an originally neutral stimulus created by repetitive pairing with a stimulus that creates a response that is similar or identical. In this case, two different stimuli are involved and no behavior is involved (Feldman, 2015). Operant conditioned was first discussed by B.F. Skinner and involves the application of a reinforcement or punishment after a particular behavior. It tends to strengthen or weaken the voluntary behavior. In operant conditioning, learning is in form of the changes in behavior that arise from the experiences after a response (Feldman, 2015). In most instances, operant conditioning involves the voluntary change of behavior in which the behavior response is followed by reinforcement or punishment.
Positive and negative reinforcement, punishment, and behavior modification. I agree with the statement that,” Spanking children is an effective means to correct undesirable behavior.” It is a form of positive punishment meant to decrease the occurrence of a response (Feldman, 2015). In regard to the statement, spanking tends to decrease the likelihood of the child engaging in undesirable behavior. In positive punishment, something undesirable is added such as spanking as a result of undesirable behavior, with an intention of behavioral change (Wood, 2007). Spanking is an effective means to correct the undesirable behavior since, through positive punishment, there is a negative effect after exhibiting an undesired behavior, thereby limiting the likelihood of the child exhibiting similar behavior in future. In essence, the child is likely to avoid the undesirable behavior due to the punishment expected.
Work Cited
Feldman, Robert S. Essentials of understanding psychology. (11THed.) New York: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2015.
Wood, Peter B. "Exploring the positive punishment effect among incarcerated adult offenders." American Journal of Criminal Justice 31.2 (2007): 8-22.
