Chapter Seven - Schedules & Theories of Reinforcement Flashcards
Adjusting Schedule?
A schedule in which the response requirement changes as a function of the organism’s performance while responding for the previous reinforcer.
Imagine you’re working for rewards, like getting a treat after doing chores. If you finish your chores quickly and well, the next time you might have to do a little more work to get another treat. But if you take longer or don’t do as well, the next time you might have to do less work to get the treat.
Behavioral Bliss Point Approach?
The theory that an organism with free access to alternative activities will distribute its behavior in such a way as to maximize overall reinforcement.
Basically: if an animal or person can choose between different activities, they’ll pick what makes them the happiest overall. They’ll try to balance their time in a way that gives them the most rewards or fun.
Chained Schedule?
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.
Complex Schedule?
A schedule that consists of a combination of two or more simple schedules.
A person needs to finish two tasks—cleaning their room (schedule 1) and finishing homework (schedule 2)—before they can watch TV. Both tasks are required, but they could be done in any order.
Conjunctive Schedule?
A type of complex schedule in which the requirements of two or more simple schedules must be met, in any order, before a reinforcer is delivered.
BASICALLY:
A schedule where you need to meet the rules of two or more simple schedules, in any order, before getting a reward.
Continuous Reinforcement Schedule?
A schedule in which each specified response in reinforced.
Example: Every time a child says “please” before asking for something, they get what they want. Every time the child uses good manners, they get a reward.
Example: To get a snack, a child needs to finish their math homework (schedule 1) and clean their room (schedule 2). Both tasks must be completed, no matter in which order.
Differential Reinforcer of High Rates (DRH)?
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.
Example: You get a reward if you do something quickly enough, like answering 10 questions in 5 minutes.
Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates (DRL)?
A schedule in which a minimum amount of time must pas between each response before the reinforcer will be delivered- or more generally, reinforcement is provided for responding at a slow rate.
Example: You get a reward if you do something slowly enough, like waiting at least 10 seconds before you speak again.
Differential Reinforcement of Paced Responding (DRP)?
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 not too slow.
Differential Reinforcement of Paced Responding (DRP):
Example: You get a reward if you do something at a steady pace—not too fast and not too slow, like typing at a consistent speed.
Drive Reduction Theory?
A theory that holds that an event is reinforcing to the extent that it is associated with a reduction in some type of physiological drive.
Example: You do something because it helps you feel better, like drinking water to reduce thirst.
Fixed Duration (FD) Schedule?
A schedule in which reinforcement is contingent upon continuous performance of behavior for a fixed, predictable period of time.
This means you get a reward if you keep doing something for a certain amount of time without stopping, and the time is always the same each time.
Fixed Interval (FI) Schedule?
A schedule in which reinforcement is contingent upon the first response after a fixed, predictable period of time.
Fixed Ratio (FR) Schedule?
A schedule in which reinforcement is contingent upon a fixed, predictable number of responses.
Fixed Time (FT) Schedule?
A schedule in which the reinforcer is delivered following a fixed, predictable period of time, regardless of the organism’s behavior.
Example: You get a reward after a set time passes, no matter what you do. For instance, getting a treat every 10 minutes, whether you do anything or not.
Goal Gradient Effect?
An increase in the strength and/or efficiency of responding as one draws near to the goal.
You work harder or faster as you get closer to your goal.
Incentive Motivation?
Motivation derived from some property of the reinforcer, as opposed to an internal drive state.
You’re motivated by the reward itself, not because of an internal need.
Intermittent (or partial) Reinforcement Schedule?
A schedule in which only some responses are reinforced.
Only some of your actions get a reward, not every time.
Noncontingent Schedule of Reinforcement?
A schedule in which the reinforcer is delivered independently of any response. Also known as a response-individual schedule.
You get a reward no matter what you do, it’s not tied to your actions.
Premack Principle?
The notion that a high-probability behavior can be used to reinforced a low-probability behavior.
Ratio Strain?
A disruption is responding for reinforcement due to an overly demanding response requirement.
You stop doing something when the reward is too hard to get (if the requirement is too high).
