Learning from Consequences, Reinforcement & Reward Flashcards
Define Reinforcer
Reinforcer = usually a stimulus of some sort that sets the process of strengthening in motion.
Stimuli that can do this: food, drink, money, praise, cuddling/patting
Define Rewards
When reinforcers are delivered/produced as a consequence of doing something, they are called rewards
Thus, delivery of a reinforcer is a reward
BEWARE: a reward is often something that is accepted as desirable or pleasing, whereas a reinforcer is something that produced reinforcement.
A reward doesn’t have to be reinforcing, e.g., because the recipient doesn’t desire it/find it pleasing
Define: Positive reinforcement
Delivery of production of a stimulus item (like food) that results in strengthening of a connection/behaviour
‘Positive’ used to denote that something is added or delivered to situation (NOT that it’s good/positive)
Define: Negative reinforcement
A behaviour/connection can also be strengthened by removing something from the situation
Usually achieved by removing something aversive/unpleasant
Explain: Positive vs Negative reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is reinforcement by addition;
Negative reinforcement is reinforcement by subtraction
Define: Positive & Negative punishment (with examples)
Positive punishment: delivery/production of a punishing stimulus (like a smack)
Negative punishment: removal of a desirable or rewarding stimulus (taking away an xbox)
Define: Punishment (& vs reinforcer)
Delivery of production of a stimulus that has punishing effects (a punisher) as a consequence of a behaviour
Punishing effects are opposite of reinforcement effects.
They result in a reduction in the likelihood of a behaviour; decrease in its strength/frequency
Who created the Law of Effect?
Edward Thorndike
What did the Law of Effect state?
Behaviours followed by satisfying consequences (reinforcers) are more likely to be repeated, while behaviours followed by unpleasant consequences (punishers) are less likely to be repeated.
