Ch 7 - Schedules & Theories of Reinforcement

Question 1

adjusting schedule*

Answer 1

A schedule in which the response requirement changes as a function of the organism’s performance while responding for the previous reinforcer.

Question 2

behavioral bliss point approach

Answer 2

The theory that an organism with free access to alternative activities will distribute its behavior in such a way as to maximize overall reinforcement.

Question 3

chained schedule*

Answer 3

A schedule consisting of a sequence of two or more simple schedules, each with its own SD and the last of which results in a terminal reinforcer.

Question 4

complex schedule*

Answer 4

A schedule consisting of a combination of two or more simple schedules.

Question 5

conjunctive schedule*

Answer 5

A type of complex schedule in which the requirements of two or more simple schedules must be met before a reinforcer is delivered.

Question 6

continuous reinforcement schedule*

Answer 6

A schedule in which each specified response is reinforced.

Question 7

differential reinforcement of high rates (DRH)*

Answer 7

A schedule in which reinforcement is contingent upon emitting at least a certain number of responses in a certain period of time—or, more generally, reinforcement is provided for responding at a fast rate.

Question 8

differential reinforcement of low rates (DRL)*

Answer 8

A schedule in which a minimum amount of time must pass between each response before the reinforcer will be delivered—or, more generally, reinforcement is provided for responding at a slow rate.

Question 9

differential reinforcement of paced responding (DRP)*

Answer 9

A schedule in which reinforcement is contingent upon emitting a series of responses at a set rate—or, more generally, reinforcement is provided for responding neither too fast nor too slow.

Question 10

drive reduction theory

Answer 10

According to this theory, an event is reinforcing to the extent that it is associated with a reduction in some type of physiological drive.

Question 11

fixed duration (FD) schedule*

Answer 11

A schedule in which reinforcement is contingent upon continuous performance of a behavior for a fixed, predictable period of time.

Question 12

fixed interval (FI) schedule*

Answer 12

A schedule in which reinforcement is contingent upon the first response after a fixed, predictable period of time.

Question 13

fixed ratio (FR) schedule*

Answer 13

A schedule in which reinforcement is contingent upon a fixed, predictable number of responses.

Question 14

fixed time (FT) schedule*

Answer 14

A schedule in which the reinforcer is delivered following a fixed, predictable period of time, regardless of the organism’s behavior.

Question 15

goal gradient effect

Answer 15

An increase in the strength and/or efficiency of responding as one draws near to the goal.

Question 16

incentive motivation

Answer 16

Motivation derived from some property of the reinforcer, as opposed to an internal drive state.

Question 17

intermittent (or partial) reinforcement schedule*

Answer 17

A schedule in which only some responses are reinforced.

Question 18

noncontingent schedule of reinforcement*

Answer 18

A schedule in which the reinforcer is delivered independently of any response.

Question 19

Premack principle

Answer 19

The notion that a high-probability behavior can be used to reinforce a low-probability behavior.

Question 20

response deprivation hypothesis

Answer 20

The notion that a behavior can serve as a reinforcer when: (1) access to the behavior is restricted and (2) its frequency thereby falls below its preferred level of occurrence.

Question 21

response-rate schedule*

Answer 21

A schedule in which reinforcement is directly contingent upon the organism’s rate of response.

Question 22

schedule of reinforcement*

Answer 22

The response requirement that must be met to obtain reinforcement.

Question 23

variable duration (VD) schedule*

Answer 23

A schedule in which reinforcement is contingent upon continuous performance of a behavior for a varying, unpredictable period of time.

Question 24

variable interval (VI) schedule*

Answer 24

A schedule in which reinforcement is contingent upon the first response after a varying, unpredictable period of time.

Question 25

variable ratio (VR) schedule*

Answer 25

A schedule in which reinforcement is contingent upon a varying, unpredictable number of responses.

Question 26

variable time (VT) schedule*

Answer 26

A schedule in which the reinforcer is delivered following a varying, unpredictable period of time, regardless of the organism’s behavior.

Question 27

ratio strain*

Answer 27

A disruption in responding due to an overly demanding response requirement.