behaviourist approach Flashcards
What is the behaviourist approach studying? What is it not studying and why?
observable behaviour
mental processes because cannot be measured.
What is operant conditioning?
every chosen behaviour is followed by a negative or positive consequence.
What is the difference between a reinforcer and a punisher?
Reinforcer - will do it again
Punisher - wont do it again
What is the skinner box? What is the desired behaviour for the rat in this experiment?
Skinner box is a controlled environment
Hoe is the rat rewarded or punished for doing, or not, the desired behaviour?
Rewarded = treat Punished = shock
What is shaping?
Reward behaviours that are closer and closer to the desired behaviour.
What are the shaping steps to make the rat press the lever in the Skinner box?
1- close 2- sniff 3- touch 4- push 5- steady
Why is it important to withhold rewards at each step when shaping?
Stop rewarding so they try something else.
What is positive reinforcement?
add something pleasant
What is a positive punisher?
add something unpleasant
What is negative reinforcement?
remove something unpleasant
What is a negative punisher?
remove something pleasant.
What is a primary/secondary punisher/reinforcer? Give an example each.
Primary punisher/reinforcer = natural
pain -food/drink
Secondary punisher/reinforcer = taught
bad grade - money
How did Skinner turn pigeons superstitious?
reward every 15 seconds no matter what.
pigeons would do the same exact movement repeatedly
What is the difference between continuous and intermitted reinforcement?
Continuous = everytime desired beaviour intermitted = some of the time