A-level psychology [edexcel]- Operant conditioning: learning theories

This is an A-Level psychology lesson which focuses on learning theories. This lesson specifically focuses on operant conditioning put forward by Skinner. The lesson is designed to last 90 minutes and there are a total of 16 slides on the power point.

Included:

• Starter activity which focuses on reviewing the social psychology unit, unscramble the words. Answers provided.
• Title page- brief introduction to what operant conditioning means.
• Video clip introducing students to operant conditioning, link on pp slide.
• Key terms sheet.
• Explanation of the skinner box.
• Explanation of key terms: positive & negative reinforcement, along with positive and negative punishment.
• Short video from the big bang theory- students to apply key concepts.
• Explanation of primary and secondary reinforcers. Example 2 mark question.
• Application task- students apply key concepts to the statements on the pp slide.
• Strengths and weaknesses of operant conditioning.
• Recap of using animal research in psychology- short answer exam question (4 marks). Question and mark scheme included.
• Plenary- watch video clip of super nanny, students to identify the types of reinforcement and punishment used.