Chp 5 Flashcards
Operant behavior is influenced by…
antecedent and consequence events
(pushing elevator button is operant behavior)
Antecedent
Observable stimulus that’s present before the behavior occurs
(The elevator button itself)
Consequence
Observable stimulus change that happens after behavior occurs
(Activation of the elevator)
Consequences influence…
Behavior
Contingent relation (two term contingency)
If the operant behavior/response occurred > then the consequence followed.
(If you push the elevator button then the elevator is activated)
Operant behavior operates the….
Environment by producing consequences
Non contingent consequence
Occurs after a response but not because the response caused it to occur.
Occurs when there is no causal relation between response and consequence
Superstitious behavior
Occurs when the individual behaves as though a response-consequence contingency exists when in fact the relation between response and consequence is non contingent
The core of behavior analysis is…
Identifying functional antecedent variables and functional consequence variables
Reinforcer
Consequence that increases operant behavior above its baseline level
Reinforcement
The process whereby a reinforcer increases operant behavior above baseline level
Reward
Beneficial consequences that we think will function as reinforcers but we don’t know yet if they will
Edward Thorndike
First scientist to demonstrate that reinforcers increase the probability of behavior
Response variability is aka…
Exploration
When individuals learn how a reinforcement contingency works….
They shift from exploration to exploitation
