5.16 : Timing and Consequences on Behavior

In operant conditioning, the timing of reinforcement is crucial. For animals like rats and cats, immediate reinforcement (within a few seconds) is much more effective than delayed reinforcement. For example, a food reward for a rat needs to follow within 30 seconds of pressing a bar to be effective.

Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant factor in achieving long-term goals. For instance, saving a weekly paycheck for months to buy a car instead of spending it immediately on smaller pleasures demonstrates this concept.

Immediate and delayed punishments also affect behavior. For example, not studying early in a semester can lead to poor grades later. Humans can foresee these consequences and adjust behavior accordingly, often trying to avoid discomfort to prevent worse outcomes.

Daily behaviors frequently balance immediate rewards and punishments against their delayed counterparts. For instance, delaying a dental visit to avoid immediate discomfort can result in more severe dental issues later. Similarly, eating a cupcake provides immediate pleasure but can contribute to obesity and related health problems over time. The immediate pleasure of smoking or drinking often overrides the long-term health risks, such as COPD or liver disease.

People may hesitate to try new activities due to minor immediate punishments, such as embarrassment or initial failure. The delayed rewards, like becoming proficient in a sport or dance, may be worth enduring these initial discomforts.

In brief, while animals need immediate reinforcement for effective learning, humans can navigate both immediate and delayed consequences. Understanding this balance is essential for making informed decisions and achieving long-term goals.