Chapter 4 Flashcards
Reinforcement
first behavior must occur followed by results and end with a consequence that strengthens the behavior
When we say the reinforcement strengthens the behavior what do we mean?
That it increases the behavior to most likely happen again
Present = behavior followed by a _______
Future = behavior ____ ____ to occur
consequence
most likely
What are the effects of reinforcement
increases frequency
increases duration
increases quickness
decreases latency
What is operant behavior
behavior that is strengthed through reinforcement (the action); meaning you’re more likely to repeat it if it leads to something good and less likely to repeat it if it leads to something bad
What is a reinforcer?
A consequence that happens after the behavior
What do positive and negative reinforcement have in common?
They both make behavior more likely to happen in the future
What is positive reinforcement?
The behavior is followed by an addition of a reinforcer which strengthens it, so the addition of something good after the behavior that makes you more likely to do it. Ex: you study and get 100, now you’re more likely to study
What is negative reinforcement?
The behavior is followed by the removal of a stimulus/punishment/something you don’t like, and the behavior is strengthened. Ex: Example: You have an itchy mosquito bite, so you scratch it to make the itch go away. This makes you more likely to scratch again next time you feel itchy.
What does negative reinforcement create and what do they mean?
Escape: A behavior that stops something unpleasant while IN THE MOMENT, making you more likely to do it again. (Example: You step into the rain, realize you’re getting wet, and open an umbrella.)
Avoidance: A behavior that prevents something unpleasant before it happens, making you more likely to do it again. (Example: You check the weather and bring an umbrella so you don’t get wet in the first place.)
Social reinforcement
when behavior produces a reinforcing consequence through the actions of another person
Automatic reinforcement
behavior itself produces a reinforcing consequence without someone else delivering it
Primary/Unconditioned reinforcers
things that are naturally important for survival or well-being, like food, water, or warmth.
Conditioned/secondary reinforcers
things we learn to value because they’ve been paired with something we already find rewarding.
Example: Money isn’t naturally rewarding, but because it’s linked to things we want (like food or toys), it becomes a reinforcer.
What are conditioned generalized reinforcers
Money, praise, token. can be used to get other rewards, both basic ones (primary reinforcers) and learned ones (secondary reinforcers).
Example: Money can be used to buy food (a primary reinforcer) or tickets to a concert (a conditioned reinforcer).
Conditioned reinforcers are known as
secondary reinforcers
Unconditioned reinforcers are known as
primary reinforcers
Factors that influence reinforcement
immediacy, consistency/contingency, motivating operations, individual differences, intensity of stimuli
How does immediacy affect reinforcement
the timing between the behavior and the delivery of the consequence. should be about half a second
How does consistency/contingency affect reinforcement
a behavior must happen first, followed by a consequence that either adds something good (reinforcement) or removes something bad (punishment) to strengthen or weaken the behavior.
How do motivating operations affect reinforcement
An event that occurs before the behavior that can alter the value of reinforcers
What is EO
Establishing operation: it makes a reinforcer more valuable and makes the behavior more likely to happen.
What is deprivation and is it linked to EO or AO
It is linked to EO and it is when someone hasn’t had this reinforcer in a while which makes the reinforcer more valuable
What is AO
Abolishing operation: makes a reinforcer less valuable and makes the behavior less likely to happen
What is satiation and is it linked with EO or AO
It is linked with AO and it is when a person has consumed a lot of the reinforcer which makes it less valuable
How do individual differences affect reinforcement
Not all usual reinforcers work on people
How does the intensity of stimuli affect reinforcement
how much of the reinforcer is being delivered
Schedules for reinforcement
how often is reinforcement going to be delivered
Continuous reinforcement
each behavior occurrence is followed by a reinforcement
usually for new behaviors
Intermittent reinforcement
not every response is followed by a reinforcer.
usually when you’re trying to maintain a behavior
What do fixed and variable have in common across ratio schedules vs interval schedules
fixed will always deal with a set #, it never changes
variable will always deal with an average, so not a set #
What difference do ratio schedules and interval schedules have
Ratio schedules deal with how many responses while interval schedules deal with time
What is a fixed ratio schedule
reinforcer is given after X number of responses
produces high rates of behavior but can cause post-reinforcement pause, so after receiving the reinforcement the individual takes a break
Keywords: “post reinforcer pause”, shows plateau on graph
what is a variable ratio schedule
delivers a reinforcer after an average number of responses, meaning it can vary each time. This results in high, steady rates of responding without a post-reinforcement pause.
Example: In a slot machine, you don’t know exactly when you’ll win, but the reward comes after an unpredictable number of pulls, keeping you engaged.
Keywords: responses, average, high steady increase
What is a fixed interval schedules
delivers a reinforcer after a set amount of time has passed, but only after the first response after that time. This leads to low rates of responding, which increase as the end of the time interval approaches, creating a scalloping effect (gradual increase in responses toward the end).
Example: If a student gets a reward for completing a task after every 5 minutes, they might work slowly and then rush toward the end of the 5-minute period
keywords: scalloping effect
what is a variable interval schedule
gives a reinforcer after an average amount of time, but the exact time changes. This leads to steady, slow responses.
Example: Checking your phone randomly for a message, not knowing exactly when one will come, but you keep checking.
keywords: interval, unpredictable, low steady rate
Determine if these are reinforcements or not:
1. After finishing his homework, Jake was allowed to play video games for an hour.
2. Sarah was scolded by her teacher for talking in class.
3. Every time Maria finishes a task, she gets a gold star on her chart.
4. Tom decided to stop chewing gum after his teacher told him it was disrespectful.
5. After Lily completed her chores, her parents gave her extra allowance money.
6. Mark stopped touching the stove after he burned his hand.
7. The dog was given a treat every time it sat on command.
8. Ethan kept practicing his guitar after his mom complimented his playing.
9. Julie went to bed early after she realized she would feel more rested the next day.
10. Chris ran faster during practice after his coach praised him for his hard work.
- not
- not
- reinforcement
- not
- not
- not
- reinforcement
- reinforcement
- not
- not
Find the operant behavior and the reinforcer:
1. After finishing his project, Alex gets a compliment from his teacher.
2. Each time Sam feeds the dog, his mom gives him a high-five.
3. Whenever Mia completes a workout, she treats herself to her favorite snack.
4. After Carlos cleaned his room, his parents allowed him to go out with friends.
5. Every time Olivia studies for an exam, she buys herself a small gift.
6. Jake answered questions in class, and his teacher praised him.
7. Every time Lily does her homework on time, she gets 10 extra minutes of screen time.
8.When Aaron speaks politely, his supervisor gives him positive feedback.
9. After Jessica practices piano, her dad gives her a hug.
10. Whenever Noah finishes his chores, he gets a dollar from his parents.
- op: finished project, rf: gets a compliment
- op: feeds the dog, rf: mom gives a high five
- op: completing workout, rf: gets her favorite snack
- op: cleaned room, rf: allowed to go out with friends
- op: studying, rf: buys small gift
- op: answering questions, rf: teacher praise
- op: completing hw on time, op: gets extra screen time
- op: speaking politely, rf: positive feedback
- op: practicing piano, rf: hug from dad
- op: finishes chores, rf: gets dollar
Determine if positive or negative reinforcement is being used:
1. A student turns in their homework on time and gets praise from their teacher.
2. A child cleans their room to avoid being yelled at by their parents.
3. Every time Tom finishes his chores, his mom gives him extra screen time.
4. After completing his work early, John gets to leave the office for the day.
5. Sarah finishes her workout routine and then enjoys a relaxing bath.
6. Every time Mark behaves well, he gets a cookie from his grandma.
7. Lily studies for a test to avoid feeling anxious the night before.
8. After you finish a task, you hear your favorite song, which motivates you to work more.
9. Steve presses the elevator button repeatedly to stop the annoying music in the lobby.
10. Emma practices her piano every day and receives praise from her parents.
- positive
- negative
- positive
- negative
- positive
- positive
- negative
- positive
- negative
- positive
