B-8 Unconditioned, Conditioned and Generalized Reinforcers and Punishers Flashcards
Unconditioned Reinforcers
A stimulus change (consequence) that can increase the frequency of future behavior without prior pairing with any other form of reinforcement
For it to function as a reinforcer, a Motivating Operation (MO) needs to be in place
Ex: For food to function as a reinforcer, some level of deprivation is needed
Food, Water, Oxygen, Temperature regulation/comfort
Unconditioned Punishers
A stimulus change that can decrease the frequency of future behavior without prior pairing with any other form of reinforcement
Ex: Painful stimuli that or other sensory stimuli that individual is physically sensitive to (light, heat, cold, sound etc)
Conditioned Reinforcers
A consequence that increases the rate of behavior because it has been paired with another reinforcer.
These are dependent on prior learning due to being paired with unconditioned reinforcers or other conditioned reinforcers
Ex: Praise, Smile, High Fives
Conditioned Punisher
A consequence that decreases the rate of behavior because it has been paired with another punisher.
Dependent on prior leaning due to being paired with unconditioned punisher or other conditioned punishers.
Ex: Being grounded, reprimand, disapproving look
Generalized Conditioned Reinforcer
A reinforcer that has been paired so often with other reinforcers that it is often effective for many people across many situations
Reinforcer that is effective in many situations because it can be exchanged for a wide variety of backup reinforcers.
Ex: tokens, money, eye contact, praise, proximity
Token Economy
A type contingency contract where reinforcers are tokens
Generalized Conditioned Punishers
A punisher that has been paired so often with other punishers that it is often effective for many people and across many situations
Ex: Reprimands, social disapproval
