Chapter 4

Question 1

Behavioural Contingency

Answer 1

Positive Reinforcement = the positive reinforcer is presented contingent
upon the performance of a response
Extinction = the positive reinforcer is withheld contingent on the
performance of a response
**Behavioural Contingency = same principles as above, but just specifies in
advance the behaviours to be performed for certain consequences to follow

Question 2

Behavioural Contracts

Answer 2

Written agreements
outlining the
contingencies between
behaviours and
consequences
All parties involve in
negotiation, agree to
abide by the contract,
satisfactory to all parties,
and signed by everyone
All discussed in advance,
expectations are
managed
Behaviors must be able
to be monitored

Question 3

Self-Control
Reinforcement
Contingencies:

Answer 3

(Self-Management)
Self-administered positive
reinforcers to increase desired
behaviours
Positive reinforcers can be
external or internal

Question 4

Accidental Reinforcement Contingencies

Answer 4

Superstitions
* Accidently linked a response and a
reinforcer
* Even one trial learning
* Hard to extinguish
* Sports fans

Question 5

Premack Principle

Answer 5

High probability R1 can increase the strength of low probability R2, only when R1 occurs after R2
Therefor R1 becomes a positive reinforcer through response deprivation
ie. can monitor free time to see how you choose to spend it

Question 6

continuous reinforcement

Answer 6

A positive reinforcer is presented/withheld
EVERY time the behaviour occurs
Best for establishing a new behaviour or
strengthen one with low frequency

Question 7

Intermittent Reinforcement

Answer 7

A positive reinforcer is presented on a noncontinuous schedule
Best for maintaining a behaviour
If used too early or too quickly, it may extinguish
a behaviour

Question 8

Pros of intermittent reinforcement

Answer 8

Fewer reinforces needed to
maintain behaviour
More resistant to extinction
Positive reinforcer is effective for longer
(gradual satiation)
More closely resembles “real life”
environment

Question 9

3 types of intermittent reinforcement with subtypes

Answer 9

1. Ratio Schedule – certain # of responses for a reinforcement
2. Interval Schedule – performance of a response after a certain
   amount of time has passed earns a reinforcement
3. Duration Schedule – continuous response for a specific duration of
   time in order to receive the reinforcement
   Subtypes for each:
4. Fixed – prescribed number/amount
5. Variable – a random number/amount

Question 10

Fixed ratio vs variable ratio

Answer 10

Fixed Ratio like piecework – high response rate, post reinforcement pause, the ratio needs to be increased gradually (don’t strain the ratio)
* Variable Ratio like slot machines– highest response rate, no post reinforcement pause (don’t know when going to be reinforced)
Goal is: Continuous → Fixed Ratio (briefly) → Variable Ratio

Question 11

Fixed interval vs variable interval

Answer 11

• Fixed Interval like pills every 4 hrs– rate of responding is slow at first, and then high towards the end of the interval, not much power in-between those interval time periods
• Variable Interval like fishing– consistent rate of responding, moderate response rates, must be working when the buzzer goes off

Question 12

fixed durations vs variable duration

Answer 12

Fixed Duration like sitting in class – moderate development of continuous responding, but have a post reinforcement pause
* Variable Duration like racing – higher rates of responding, no post reinforcement pauses, resistant to extinction

Question 13

habit reversal training

Answer 13

1. Awareness Training – detect pre-urge signs
2. Competing Response Training
   * Blocks the behaviour over the duration of time (fixed/variable)
3. Motivational and Social Support
   * Behavioural Reward System, Parent/Peer/Teacher praise