Operant Conditioning
represents a learning process through which the strength of a behavior is
modified by reward or punishment. The most significant researcher in area of Operant
Conditioning was B.F. Skinner. Skinner stated in his research that the learning
process can be modified by reinforcement (reward) and punishment. In this case,
George is using punishment to modify the behavior of his son. This kind of
punishment is called positive punishment as George is spanking his son and
directly punishing him. Negative punishment would be If George took something
that pleases his son.
