Theories of Behaviorism and Operant Condition or Learning
Theories of behaviorism relate to principles that seek to explicate behavior in terms of overt or observable actions and responses. Behaviorism is essentially defined by the theories proposed by John Watson and B.F. Skinner, which highlight the stimulus and response mechanism as a way to observe and understand human behavior. Behaviorism highly values observable behavior because it is a manifestation of internal behavior that is measurable and may easily be recorded (Nevid, 2012). Behaviorists such as Watson and Skinner argue that the observable and measurable nature of overt behavior makes it an essential and reliable gauge of human behavior. Watson is considered the founder of behaviorism, a psychology paradigm that gained ground during the early 1900s. Watson sought to counter the theory of other psychologists that regarded introspection as an efficient method in studying behavior. Watson argued that introspection is inadequate because it does not offer a tangible view and understanding of the human mind and consciousness (Nevid). Watson then supported his argument by emphasizing the importance of tangible, observable, and measurable behavior to understand human consciousness. Another important aspect of behaviorism is the notable role of the environment in shaping behavior. As formerly noted, behaviorism is essentially a stimulus-response model. Based on this model, people respond to different stimuli in their environment. For this reason, factors in the environment shape behavior (Nevid). Operant conditioning then is based on the principle of stimulus-response, which argues that stimuli from the environment influences behavior that could be explained or understood through observation of overt behavior manifestations (Vito & Maahs, 2011).
Behaviorism constitutes various theories and models including Skinner’s theory of operant conditioning and learning. Skinner introduced operant condition in the 1930s as a means to explicate behavior patterns through the stimulus and response paradigm. Essentially, operant conditioning refers to the act or process of withholding a particular behavior due to its outcomes (Bartol & Bartol, 2011). Skinner contributed to behaviorism by exploring the impact or influence of rewards and punishments as stimuli to human behavior. Through a research study, Skinner sought to prove that he could use rewards and punishment to control or train the behavior of animals. Skinner then applied reinforcement and punishment, both of which could be positive and negative, to either increase or decrease the occurrence of behavior. Reinforcements increase while punishments decrease the occurrence of behavior. Moreover, positive reinforcement refers to the presence of stimulus while negative reinforcement is the absence of stimulus. Negative reinforcement include the removal of adverse stimulus in the environment after an individual displays positive target behavior. In addition, negative reinforcement also includes active avoidance wherein the reinforcement influences the individual to avoid responding to stimulus that evokes undesirable behavior. Positive punishment immediately follows undesirable behavior while negative punishment is an act meant to eliminate the stimulus that elicits an undesirable response behavior from the individual (Vito & Maahs, 2011). Simply put, operant conditioning either reinforces or punishes behavior to influence future behavior, which could be an individual’s adoption of positive target behavior or the reduction of the occurrence of negative target behavior.
The following discussion focuses on operant conditioning as a means to bring about learning consequences as it applies to criminal justice. Concepts in operant conditioning and learning in the succeeding sections relate the process to various aspects of criminal justice. Moreover, the following discussion constitutes an assessment of operant conditioning and learning as a process or strategy to curb crime, specifically an identification of its outcomes or consequences and successes as a practice in the criminal justice system.
Application of Operant Conditioning in Criminal Justice
Enactment of Criminal Statutes
Criminal statutes essentially refer to the body of law that applies to crime. The enactment of criminal statutes, therefore, refer to the passage and implementation of legislation (Scheb, 2008). Operant conditioning and learning apply to the enactment of criminal statutes in the way that law makers create or develop these statutes and implement them. In creating criminal statutes, for instance, law makers may incorporate the reinforcement or reward and punishment in the formation of laws such that statutes punish violators and reward those that contribute to the prevention or resolution of these crimes including those that report or reveal law violations.
Initially, law makers identify delinquent behaviors that fall under criminal categories. Consequently, law makers identify commensurate punishment or penalties based on the nature, gravity, breadth, and impact of the crime. Aside from punishments, other criminal laws involve the development and implementation of programs that aim for behavioral reformation. Community service programs, therapy, and other programs that place offenders on probation are punishments that may also incorporate reinforcements to help them avoid delinquent behaviors in the future. While on probation for instance, the period of supervision may be lessened if the individual shows considerable improvement through manifestations of pro-social behavior.
Overall, when it comes to the enactment of criminal statute, operant conditioning and learning influences the formation of laws because it guides law makers during the identification of criminal acts that would require commensurate punishment. Consequently, operant conditioning also applies to the enforcement of criminal statute, particularly in the breadth and frequency of implementation to curb crime. An increase in the occurrence of a particular crime, for instance, would necessitate stricter implementation of criminal statute. Operant conditioning, therefore, influences the intentions and the process of developing and implementing criminal statutes.
Enforcement of Statutory Laws
Statutory laws refers to laws enacted by any level of the government including the state or federal departments. Legislative bodies are responsible for enacting these laws. In the federal government, the United States congress enacts federal statutes. In the state government, the state legislatures enact state statutes. Federal statutes apply to all states while state statutes only apply within the state’s territory (Gaines & Miller, 2014).
The enforcement of statutory laws within the federal government adopts the operant conditioning and learning principle. Some federal laws, for instance, clearly define punishment for specific violations while also reinforcing the prevention of these violations by offering rewards for the contributions of entities. The False Claims Act, a federal law, is an example of how operant conditioning applies to the implementation or enforcement of federal statute. The False Claims Act, which is also known as the Lincoln Law, prohibits organizations from defrauding the government. Violations against the False Claims Act will render organizations liable and therefore, punishable by law. Sanctions for fraud constitute the punishments that aim to discourage organizations from committing this violation. Reinforcement or reward, on the other hand, refer to another aspect of the law that rewards people, also known as whistleblowers, who will file complaints against organizations and submitting pertinent information about the latter’s activities that result in fraud (Lewis, 2010). The federal government’s offering of rewards for whistleblowers reinforce behaviors of honesty and integrity among individuals working in organizations because these encourage them to report violations.
Within the state, the enforcement of statutory laws would essentially depend on the nature or kind of behaviors that are unacceptable within the state’s borders. Hence, the implementation of operant conditioning and learning, specifically the implementation of reinforcement and punishment, depend on state laws. As in federal statute, some state laws involve commensurate punishment or penalties for specific criminal violations, as well as rewards or reinforcements for pro-social behaviors.
Prosecution of Criminal Cases
The prosecution of criminals refer to the process and outcome of legal proceedings involving an individual charged with crime. Operant conditioning and learning apply in this scenario because the process of prosecuting criminals is instrumental in helping the offender realize the negative outcomes and the gravity of such outcomes. Hence, the prosecution is instrumental in presenting possible punishment for the offender’s criminal violations and allowing the latter to realize the outcome of his or her actions in the process. Moreover, the prosecution process clarifies the outcomes of criminal actions or delinquent behavior, particularly when the offender is informed about the possible consequences of his or her actions.
Sentencing of Convicted Offenders
Sentencing refers to the passing of a verdict that specifies the punishment of a convicted offender for crimes he or she committed. Operant conditioning and learning apply in the process of sentencing convicted offenders because it is punishment-based, such that the sentence in itself bears punishment that is commensurate to the crime committed. Forms of punishment include the payment of fines or imprisonment for a certain period. The purpose of punishment during sentencing is to curb criminal behavior or delinquency in the future. The convicted offender, for instance, is expected to compensate for his or her crime by accepting the sentence and to avoid committing criminal behavior after his or her completion of the sentence.
Inmate Sanctions with Correctional Institutions
Inmate sanctions refer to corrective punishment aimed towards disciplining inmates to reduce or correct delinquent behavior in prison. Inmate sanctions include disciplinary measures for violations such as display of violence or possibilities of self-harm. These disciplinary measures pertain to punishment in operant conditioning and learning. Punishment through disciplinary measures are intended to reduce the occurrence of delinquent behaviors while in prison. Often, disciplinary measures in prison immediately follows delinquent behaviors and are commensurate to the gravity and breadth of the inmate’s offenses. The immediate implementation of punishment is important in controlling the behavior of inmates and highlighting the negative outcomes of delinquent behavior in prison.
Conditions of Community-Based Supervision
Community-based supervision refers to a form of probation wherein individuals on parole or those subjected to community probation undergo supervision from social workers or other people authorized to observe activities by this population in the community. The main purpose of community-based supervision is to reduce delinquency through close guidance and assistance of a supervisor.
Within this context, operant conditioning or learning applies such that reinforcement increases the occurrence of positive non-deviant behavior while the conditions of punishment for the violation of probationary rules reduces the likelihood for an individual to violate laws or statutes, or the conditions of community-based supervision.
In some community-based supervision programs, families play an important role during probation. Some individuals on probation live with their families or attend sessions with therapists. Parents and therapists may reinforce pro-social behaviors through rewards while punish anti-social behaviors or constantly remind offenders of punishments for violating probationary rules and policies (Helfgott, 2013). In the process, offenders on probation or under supervision learn to discern the difference between delinquent and pro-social behaviors through subsequent rewards or reinforcements and punishments.
Application of Operant Conditioning or Learning
Application of Operant Conditioning and Learning
Based on the foregoing discussion, the application of operant conditioning and learning lays in its influence on the development and implementation of punishment for delinquency and reinforcement or rewards for pro-social behaviors. Within the context of criminal justice, operant conditioning applies to the motives of reducing crime through punishment. The enforcement of criminal statute, for instance, involve the implementation of punishment. Punishment in criminal laws either discourage individuals from committing crimes or chastise those that violated these laws. In the latter, punishment is expected to reduce recidivism (Schneider, 2014). Hence, the criminal justice system applies operant conditioning and learning as a means to either curb crime by discouraging people from engaging in criminal activity because of punishment as an outcome, or by encouraging people to observe pro-social behaviors because of commensurate positive reinforcements or rewards.
Goals of Conditioning in Developing Learned Behaviors
Considering the nature of operant conditioning or learning, its goals within the context of developing learned behaviors is to facilitating the increased adoption of target behaviors or reduction of the occurrence of undesirable behaviors through the measured implementation of positive or negative rewards or reinforcements and punishments. Essentially, the foundations of operant conditioning include the identification of positive target behaviors that will be rewarded or reinforced and negative target behaviors that will be punished. Reinforcement through rewards are intended to increase the likelihood of positive target behaviors. On the other hand, negative reinforcement through punishments are intended to decrease the occurrence of negative or anti-social target behaviors. Hence, the goals of conditioning in developing learned behaviors is to facilitate the adoption of positive target behaviors through reinforced repetition and the reduction of negative target behaviors (Vito & Maahs, 2011).
Conditioning and Learning Consequences
Operant conditioning is expected to bring about learning on the part of the offender. The offender commits a crime and is punished while his good behavior in prison or while on probation is reinforced. Throughout this process, the offender learns to attach negative and positive views on delinquency and pro-social behavior. Consequently, the offender learns to avoid delinquent behaviors after learning that these types of behaviors lead to punishment. Moreover, through reinforcement or rewards, the offender learns to adopt pro-social behavior because of these positive outcomes that influences his or her behavior. Hence, operant conditioning brings about learning consequences in the form of an individual’s realization and discernment of positive behavior from negative ones. Part of learning consequences is the individual’s realization that a behavior is positive because it is rewarded while a behavior is negative because it leads to punishment. Through positive and negative consequences of behavior, the individual learns to differentiate right behavior from wrong.
Successes of Operant Conditioning or Learning in Criminal Justice
Operant conditioning and learning has been successful in criminal justice mainly because the rewards or reinforcement and punishment mechanisms guides the construction and implementation of criminal statutes. Laws in the United States and all over the world have adopted the principle of stimulus-response such that every crime committed is punishable by law. Moreover, some laws enforced in the country constitute reinforcement or rewards for positive or pro-social behavior such as whistleblowing for instance. Hence, operant conditioning and learning influences the criminal justice system such that it is serves as the basis for the construction and enforcement of laws, specifically the implementation of punishment for crime.
Operant conditioning and learning also relate to other theories in criminal justice such as learning theories or reinforcement theories. Hence, operant conditioning and learning is a success in the criminal justice system because it inspires the development of various concepts, principles, and framework that address crime. Furthermore, these theories influenced by operant conditioning and learning present new ideas or perspectives in viewing crime. Consequently, this inspires the development of new ways or ideas to curb crime through the punishment of delinquency and the reinforcement of pro-social behaviors. Learning theories, for instance, relate to operant conditioning because these theories surmise that behavior including delinquency is a result of external factors in the environment. This aspect of learning theories relate to operant conditioning, specifically stimulus response. Reinforcement theories in criminal justice also relate to operant conditioning. Reinforcement theories fall under social learning theories, which highlight the importance of positive reinforcement in reducing criminal activity. Overall, operant conditioning or learning is successful in influencing practices in criminal justice for the purpose of reducing crime through behavioral reform by reinforcement and punishment.
References
Bartol, C. R. & Bartol, A. M. (2011). Introduction to forensic psychology: Research and application. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
Gaines, L. & Miller, R. (2014). Criminal justice in action. Florence, KY: Cengage Learning.
Helfgott, J. B. (2013). Criminal psychology. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO.
Lewis, D. B. (2010). A global approach to public interest disclosure: What can we learn from existing whistleblowing legislation and research? Oxford, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing.
Nevid, J. (2012). Psychology: Concepts and applications. Florence, KY: Cengage Learning.
Scheb, J. (2008). Criminal law. Florence, KY: Cengage Learning.
Schneider, S. (2014). Crime prevention: Theory and practice, 2nd Ed. New York, NY: CRC Press.
Vito, G. & Maahs, J. (2011). Criminology: Theory, research and policy. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
