Chapter 8 Vocab part 2 Flashcards
Reinforcer
In operant conditioning, any event that strengthens the behavior it follows
A stimulus or an event that follows a response and increases the likelihood that the response will be repeated
Successive Approximation
Steps taken to achieve a desired behavior
Positive reinforcement
Increasing behaviors by presenting positive stimuli; such as food. A positive reinforcer is any stimulus that, when presented after a response, strengthens the response
Negative reinforcement
Increasing behaviors by stopping or reducing negative stimuli; such as shock. A negative reinforcer is any stimulus that, when removed after a response, strengthens the response. NOT A PUNISHMENT
Primary reinforcers
An innately reinforcing stimulus, such as one that satisfies a biological need
Conditioned reinforcers (secondary)
A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer
Punishment
An event that decreases the behavior that it follows
Positive Punishment
Adding something aversive that decreases the likelihood the behavior will be repeated
Negative Punishment
Withdraw a desirable stimulus to decrease the likelihood the behavior will be repeated
Continuous reinforcement
Reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs
Partial (intermittent) reinforcement
Reinforcing a response only part of the time; results in slower acquisition of a response but much greater resistance to extinction than does continuous reinforcement
Fixed-ratio schedule
In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforcers a response only after a specified number of responses
Variable-ratio schedule
In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses
Fixed-interval schedule
In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed
Variable-interval schedule
In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals
Latent learning
Learning that occurs but is not apparent until there is an incentive to demonstrate it
Cognitive learning
A mental representation of the layout of one’s environment
Intrinsic motivation
A desire to perform a behavior for its own sake
Extrinsic motivation
A desire to perform a behavior due to promised rewards or threats of punishment
Observational learning
Learning by observing others
Modeling
The process of observing and imitating a specific behavior
Mirror neurons
Frontal lobe neurons that fire when performing certain actions or when observing another doing so. The brains mirroring of another’s action may enable imitation, language learning, and empathy
Albert Bandura
Famous for bobo doll experiments
Prosocial behavior
Positive, constructive, helpful behavior. The opposite of antisocial behavior
