Learning & Ethology: Operant Conditioning

Question 1

Operant Learning

Answer 1

aka Instrumental Conditioning. Learning the relationship between one’s actions and their consequences

Question 2

EL Thorndike

Answer 2

Pioneered Operant Learning and Created Law of Effect

Question 3

Law of Effect

Answer 3

If a response is followed by an annoying consequence, the animal will be less likely to emit the same response in the future.

Question 4

BF Skinner

Answer 4

Didn’t believe that things can be “annoying” or “satisfying”. He created 4 important concepts for operant conditioning.

Question 5

Positive Reinforcement

Answer 5

The probability that the desired response will be performed is increased by giving the organism something it wants (reward) whenever it makes the desired response.

Question 6

Negative Reinforcement

Answer 6

The probability that the desired response will be performed is increased by taking away or preventing something undesirable whenever the desired response is made.

Question 7

Types of Negative Reinforcements

Answer 7

Escape

Avoidance

Question 8

Escape

Answer 8

A negative reinforcement where the behavior removes something undesirable. (ei. seat belt alarm causes putting on a seat belt.)

Question 9

Avoidance

Answer 9

A negative reinforcement where the organism gets a warning that an aversive stimulus will occur, and the appropriate response avoids the aversive stimulus. (ei. a stop sign gets people to avoid car crash)

Question 10

Punishment

Answer 10

The probability that a response will be made is decreased by giving the organism something undesirable whenever the response is made.

Question 11

Skinner’s Concepts for Operant Conditioning

Answer 11

Positive Reinforcements
Negative Reinforcements
Punishment
Extinction

Question 12

Extinction

Answer 12

The probability that a behavior no longer brings a reward.

Question 13

Discriminative Stimulus

Answer 13

A stimulus condition that indicates that the orgnism’s behavior will have consequences. (ei. a illuminated light indicates that a bird can peck the key for food.)

Question 14

Generalization

Answer 14

A concept from classical conditioning which also applies to operant conditioning where a response can be transferred to different stimuli.

Question 15

Partial Reinforcement Effect

Answer 15

It takes longer to extinguish a response in organisms who received only occasional reinforcements.

Question 16

Types of Partial Reinforcements

Answer 16

Fixed Ratio
Variable-Ratio
Fixed-Interval
Variable Interval

Question 17

Fixed Ratio

Answer 17

The organism receives reinforcement only after a fixed number of responses

Question 18

Variable Ratio

Answer 18

The organism receives reinforcement after a varying number of responses

Question 19

Fixed Interval

Answer 19

The organism receives reinforcements after a fixed period of time.

Question 20

Variable Interval

Answer 20

The organism receives reinforcements after a varying amount of time. It is the model that is most resistant to extinction

Question 21

Shaping

Answer 21

aka Differential Reinforcement. The method of reinforcing successive approximations to the desired behavior. (ei. dog fetching a slipper)