Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if

followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher. It also involves

respondent behavior- behavior that occurs as an automatic response to the same
stimulus. Operant conditioning involves operant behavior, so called because the act
operates on the environment to produce rewarding or punishing stimuli. Thorndike’s law
of effect which simply stated that rewarded behavior is likely to recur derived from
Skinner’s operant conditioning. In Vina’s case, the cigarettes reduce feelings of tension
and anxiety that are rewards in Vina’s mind. Despite the fact that there are also
punishments that come with smoking (bad morning cough and breathing difficulties),
Vina’s addiction is outweighed by the relaxing feeling she gets when she smokes.
Skinner’s concept of reinforcement in operant conditioning is any event that
strengthens the behavior it follows. Primary reinforcers are innately reinforcing stimuli,
such as one that satisfies a biological need. Conditioned reinforcers, called secondary
reinforcers, are learned. They get their power through association with primary
reinforcers. In people’s lives, many potential secondary reinforcers include money, good
grades, a pleasant tone of voice, and a work of praise. Secondary reinforcers greatly
enhance our ability to influence one another. ON the other hand, immediate reinforcers
are yield immediate gratification. Hangovers do not prevent further drinking and drugs
such as nicotine and cocaine that provide the most immediate reinforcement are the
most strongly addictive. Delayed reinforcers such as safe or saved sex seem to be
outweighed by the immediate reinforces. Cigarettes are definitely immediate reinforcers.
Vina’s addiction is conditioned, after she started to smoke, she related smoking to her
everyday needs which is why she is addicted.