6.8-6.12: How We Learn to Influence Our Environment

Question 1

A mechanism by which our behavior acts as an instrument or tool to change the environment and, as a result, voluntary behaviors are modified

Answer 1

Operant conditioning

Question 2

The idea that behavior is a function of its consequences - actions that are followed by positive outcomes are strengthened, and behaviors that are followed by negative outcomes are weakened

Answer 2

Law of effect

Question 3

A consequence that increases the likelihood that a behavior will be repeated

Answer 3

Reinforcement

Question 4

A consequence that decreases the likelihood that a behavior will be repeated

Answer 4

Punishment

Question 5

A consequence that is innately pleasurable and/or satisfies some biological need

Answer 5

Primary reinforcer

Question 6

A learned pleasure that acquires value through experience because of its association with primary reinforcers

Answer 6

Secondary reinforcer

Question 7

The presentation of a positive stimulus, leading to an increase in the frequency of a behavior

Answer 7

Positive reinforcement

Question 8

The removal of a negative stimulus, leading to an increase in the frequency of a behavior

Answer 8

Negative reinforcement

Question 9

The presentation of a negative stimulus, leading to a decrease in the frequency of a behavior

Answer 9

Positive punishment

Question 10

The removal of a positive stimulus, leading to a decrease in the frequency of a behavior

Answer 10

Negative punishment

Question 11

The idea that activities individuals frequently engage in can be used to reinforce activities that they are less inclined to do

Answer 11

Premack principle

Question 12

The process by which random behaviors are gradually changed into a desired target behavior

Answer 12

Shaping

Question 13

An animal’s reversion to evolutionarily derived instinctive behaviors instead of demonstrating newly learned responses

Answer 13

Instinctive drift

Question 14

A reinforcement schedule in which a behavior is rewarded every time it is performed

Answer 14

Continuous reinforcement schedule

Question 15

A reinforcement schedule in which a behavior is rewarded only some of the time

Answer 15

Partial reinforcement schedule

Question 16

A reinforcement schedule in which a specific number of behaviors are required before a reward is given

Answer 16

Fixed-ratio schedule

Question 17

A reinforcement schedule in which an average number of behaviors are required before a reward is given

Answer 17

Variable-ratio schedule

Question 18

A reinforcement schedule based on a fixed amount of time before a reward is given

Answer 18

Fixed-interval schedule

Question 19

A reinforcement schedule based on an amount of time between rewards that varies around a constant average

Answer 19

Variable-interval schedule