Chapters 7 + 8

Question 1

What is an unconditioned reinforcer?

Answer 1

Stimuli that are reinforcing without prior learning or conditioning (also called primary or unlearned reinforcers/e.g. food, water, warmth).

Question 2

What is a conditioned reinforcer?

Answer 2

Stimuli that were not originally reinforcing but have become reinforcers by being paired or associated with other reinforcers.
(also called secondary or learned reinforcers/e.g. praise, fav tv show).

Question 3

What is a backup reinforcer?

Answer 3

When a stimulus becomes a conditioned reinforcer through deliberate association with other reinforcers.

Question 4

What are tokens?

Answer 4

Conditioned reinforcers that can be accumulated and exchanged for backup reinforcers.
(E.g. Teacher gives kids stickers for good behaviours.)

Question 5

What is a token system?

Answer 5

A token system reinforces good behaviour with rewards.

Question 6

What is a simple conditioned reinforcer?

Answer 6

A conditioned reinforcer that is paired with a single backup reinforcer.

Question 7

What is a generalized conditioned reinforcer?

Answer 7

A stimulus that is paired with more than one backup reinforcer.

Question 8

What is extinction?

Answer 8

When a previously reinforced response is not followed by reinforcement, the individual is less likely to engage in the behaviour again.
(Someone with a fear of dogs becomes desensitized and no longer runs when they see a dog).

Question 9

What is an extinction burst?

Answer 9

An increase in responding during extinction.