Learning principles

Learning Principles Option B Operant conditioning is a model for learning whose roots are based on the effects on behavior of conditional events. Considering Billy’s situation, positive reinforcement is the best way to correct his behavior as it’s the most powerful tools when changing behaviors. Positive reinforcement involves an increase in the probability of a behavior due to an increase in the conditional event (Mays & Winfree, 2004). A perfect example on how it can be applied to Billy is by Billy receiving appreciation whenever he converses without using a foul language. By being appreciated for conversing in a language that is not foul, Billy will be motivated to stop using the language.
Another alternative that can be used to help Billy to stop using foul language is use of positive punishment. Positive punishment is mostly applied when one is trying to diminish undesired behaviors in others (Sanderson, 2010). This will reduce the chances of Billy to use foul language. If each time Billy uses foul language whether at home or school and he is fined, the fine will act as a punishment. The fine could involve a reduction in Billy’s allowances.
Billy might have learnt this behavior through observational learning. According to Mody and Silliman (2008), this is learning a new behavior through observing what someone else is doing. This mostly happens when the person involved is of a high status such as how Billy’s mother is important to him. Billy’s mother should stop using foul language. If Billy does not have someone to converse with or to laugh at the foul language, then it would be easy for him to stop. Also Billy’s mother can avoid using foul language in his presence and apply the positive punishment mechanism to limit Billy’s use of foul language.
References
Mays, G. L. & Winfree, L. T. (2005). Essentials of corrections. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.
Mody, M., & Silliman, E. R. (2008). Brain, behavior, and learning in language and reading disorders. Nww York: Guilford Press.
Sanderson, C. A. (2010). Social psychology. Hoboken, N. J: Wiley.