Exam 2 Flashcards
Connections between the work of Thorndike and Skinner:
Skinner built upon Thorndikes theory law of effect, Skinner identified 4 types of consequences, Thorndike 2
Positive reinforcement
The consequence is the appearance of or increase in the intensity of a stimulus and
increases the strength or probability of the behavior.
Negative reinforcement
The consequence is the removal of or decrease in the intensity of a stimulus and
increases the strength or the probability of a behavior
lose their effectiveness
rather quickly.
* This leads to satiation
Positive Reinforcer
Those that appear to be innately effective, not dependent on learning
experiences, often called unconditioned
reinforcers.
Secondary Reinforcer
Those that are not innately effective
* They acquire reinforcing power by being paired with primary and other secondary reinforcers.
* Because they are dependent on previous learning experiences, they are also called conditioned reinforcers.
Natural Reinforcers
events that follow
spontaneously from a behavior
Contrived Reinforcers
events that are
provided for the purpose of modifying
behavior
Variables the affect operant learning: Contingency
refers to the degree
of correlation between a
behavior and its consequence.
Variables that affect operant learning: Contiguity
refers to the gap in time between
a behavior and its reinforcingconsequence.
shorter the interval is, the
faster learning occurs.
*A short interval decreases the likelihood a
different behavior will be reinforced.
Reinforcer Characteristics
- Size/strength: A large reinforcer is
generally more effective than a
small one
*Quality: Preferred reinforcers can
improve the effects of
reinforcement
Behavior Characteristics
Qualities of the behavior being
reinforced affect the ease at which it
can be strengthened.
Neurotransmitters involved in reinforcement
The “reward pathway” is activated in the
brain.
*In humans, this is in the septal region, which
runs from the middle of your brain to the
frontal cortex.
*When stimulated, this area of the brain will
produce dopamine.
Theories of negative reinforcement:Two-process theory
The two-process theory assumes that both Pavlovian and operant learning together explain avoidance learning.
Theories of negative reinforcement:One-process theory
The one-process theory explains avoidance entirely in terms of operant procedures.
Shaping
Makes it possible to establish behavior that rarely or never occurs spontaneously
Chaining
Connecting behaviors, teaching animal or person to perform a behavior chain
Forward Chaining
Begins with reinforcement of first link, repeats until no hesitation, then requires and reinforces 1st and 2nd link until no hesitation, repeats until finished
Backward chaining
Begins with reinforcing last link and works towards first link until no hesitation
Superstition
Occurs repeatedly even though it does not produce the reinforcers that maintain it, develop in situations where people feel lack of control, test, football game
Learned helplessness
Inescapable aversive teach individuals to do nothing through repeated failed attempts to escape, individual learns helplessness
Simple schedules: continuous reinforcement
Behavior reinforced everytime it occurs, leads to rapid increases
Simple schedules: fixed ratio
behavior is reinforced after
the same number of responses every time; when it has occurred a fixed number of times
Simple schedules:Variable ratios
a behavior is reinforced around an average number of
responses.
Simple schedules: fixed interval
the behavior is reinforced the first time after it occurs after a constant interval.