Editing Learning (section)

==== Operant conditioning ====
{{Main|Operant conditioning}}
''Operant conditioning'' is a way in which behavior can be shaped or modified according to the desires of the trainer or head individual. Operant conditioning uses the thought that living things seek pleasure and avoid pain, and that an animal or human can learn through receiving either reward or punishment at a specific time called trace conditioning. Trace conditioning is the small and ideal period of time between the subject performing the desired behavior, and receiving the positive reinforcement as a result of their performance. The reward needs to be given immediately after the completion of the wanted behavior.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bangasser |first1=Debra A. |last2=Waxler |first2=David E. |last3=Santollo |first3=Jessica |last4=Shors |first4=Tracey J. |date=2006-08-23 |title=Trace Conditioning and the Hippocampus: The Importance of Contiguity |journal=The Journal of Neuroscience |volume=26 |issue=34 |pages=8702–8706 |doi=10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1742-06.2006 |issn=0270-6474 |pmc=3289537 |pmid=16928858}}</ref>

Operant conditioning is different from classical conditioning in that it shapes behavior not solely on bodily reflexes that occur naturally to a specific stimulus, but rather focuses on the shaping of wanted behavior that requires conscious thought, and ultimately requires learning.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reflex Definition & Meaning {{!}} Britannica Dictionary |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/reflex |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

Punishment and reinforcement are the two principal ways in which operant conditioning occurs. Punishment is used to reduce unwanted behavior, and ultimately (from the learner's perspective) leads to avoidance of the punishment, not necessarily avoidance of the unwanted behavior. Punishment is not an appropriate way to increase wanted behavior for animals or humans. Punishment can be divided into two subcategories, positive punishment and negative punishment. Positive punishment is when an aversive aspect of life or thing is added to the subject, for this reason it is called positive punishment. For example, the parent spanking their child would be considered a positive punishment, because a spanking was added to the child. Negative punishment is considered the removal of something loved or desirable from the subject. For example, when a parent puts his child in time out, in reality, the child is losing the opportunity to be with friends, or to enjoy the freedom to do as he pleases. In this example, negative punishment is the removal of the child's desired rights to play with his friends etc.<ref name=":7">{{Cite book |last=Pryor |first=Karen |title=Don't Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training |date=1999-08-03 |publisher=Bantam |isbn=978-0-553-38039-2 |edition=Revised |location=New York |language=English}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite book |last1=Chance |first1=Paul |url= |title=Learning and Behavior: Active Learning Edition |last2=Furlong |first2=Ellen |date=2022-03-16 |publisher=Cengage Learning |isbn=978-0-357-65811-6 |edition=8th |location=Boston, MA |language=English}}</ref>

Reinforcement on the other hand is used to increase a wanted behavior either through negative reinforcement or positive reinforcement. Negative reinforcement is defined by removing an undesirable aspect of life, or thing. For example, a dog might learn to sit as the trainer scratches his ears, which ultimately is removing his itches (undesirable aspect). Positive reinforcement is defined by adding a desirable aspect of life or thing. For example, a dog might learn to sit if he receives a treat. In this example the treat was added to the dog's life.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" />