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In the movie "The Breakfast Club," we can see an example of operant conditioning when it comes to the character of Brian, also known as "The Brain." Operant conditioning is a psychological concept that involves changing behavior through the use of rewards and punishments.
In the film, Brian is initially portrayed as a shy and obedient student who follows the rules and strives for academic success. As part of the Saturday detention, the students are assigned to write an essay about who they think they are. Brian takes this assignment very seriously and feels pressured to write an impressive essay.
Throughout the course of the detention, Brian's behavior is influenced by the interactions with the other characters and the consequences he experiences. He receives both positive and negative reinforcement, shaping his behavior and attitude.
One example of positive reinforcement in Brian's case is when he starts to open up and share personal stories and experiences with the other students. The positive response and support he receives from his peers, such as Claire and Allison, encourage him to continue expressing himself. Their warm and friendly reactions create a pleasant and rewarding experience for Brian, reinforcing his behavior of being more open and honest.
On the other hand, there are moments of negative reinforcement as well. For instance, when Brian gets pressured by the group to write the group's essay for them, he initially refuses. However, the group becomes angry and threatens to isolate him, which creates an uncomfortable and aversive situation for Brian. In order to avoid this negative consequence and maintain acceptance within the group, Brian ultimately gives in to their demands and writes the essay. The removal of the negative experience reinforces Brian's behavior of complying with the group's expectations.