Question

What is a reinforcer? Discuss with respect to the role of the reinforcer in classical and instrumental conditioning.

Answer 1

Reinforcer means something which helps in prediction of events which are going to be happen. This basically depends on our knowledge and experiances. Based on our knowledge and experiances we can judge that which specific action or event is going to be happen in near future. Reinforcer also helps in occuring of those predicted events.

Classical conditioning is a learning process. It is a procedure in which various stimulus are being used. These stimulus may be biologically potent stimulus such as food. It may include a neutral stimulus also such as ringing of bell.

Instrumental conditioning is also a learning process in which behaviour is being modified. Modifications in behaviour is being done by making use of reinforcing agents along with inhibitory agents. It is also called as Operant Conditioning. Here rewards and punishments are used to teach a process. Rewards and punishments increases the probability of occuring an predictible event in future.

Reinforcer helps in learning process. It basically expedites the learning process. Overall strength of learning process is increased. It also develops reflexes which help in learning process with great pace.