Question

How can you use operant conditioning to teach a new behavior? (Hint: Use reading, How to Toilet Train a Cat at the end of the chapter)

Answer 1

Principles of operant conditioning can be used in order to teach a new behaviour either by reinforcing or punishing a response. When a response is reinforced, that is, it is followed by a pleasant and desirable consequence, the likelihood of the occurrence of the behaviour increases. On the other hand, when a response is punished, it is follows by an undesirable or aversive consequence, which reduces the likelihood of the occurrence of the response. A combination of these principles can be used to teach any new behaviour.