Main Features Of Operant Conditioning Flashcards
What is a reinforcer?
Something that encourages a behaviour to increase in frequency
What is a positive reinforcer? Give an example
The addition of something good when desired behaviour is shown to increase the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated. E.g receiving a sticker after tidying your room
What is a negative reinforcer? Give an example
The removal of something bad when the desired behaviour is shown to increase the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated. E.g the removal of chores after tidying your room
What is a primary reinforcer? Give an example
Receiving a direct reward which satisfies biological enate. E.g being rewarded with food, attention, love
What is a secondary reinforcer? Give an example
Something that enable you to get a primary reinforcer. E.g stickers or sweets to feel love and appreciation
What is a punishment? Give an example
Something that decreases the frequency of undesired behaviour by causing some kind of physical or mental distress
What is a positive punishment? Give an example
The addition of something unpleasant to discourage the chances of the behaviour being shown again. E.g a slap
What is a negative punishment? Give an example
The removal of something good to discourage the chances of the bad behaviour being repeated. E.g taking away your phone
What are schedules of reinforcement?
The amount of time or frequency between showing the desired behaviour and being reinforced for it.
What is continuous? Give an example
When the desired effect is reinforced every time it occurs. E.g dog sits and gets a treat every time
What is fixed ratio? Give an example
Such as when every (6th) regular correct response is reinforced. E.g when you collect 5 coffee stamps and get the 6th one free
What is variable ratio? Give an example
When the number of necessary correct responses is constantly altered. E.g gambling machines as don’t know how many times it’ll take to be reinforced with the reward, making them highly motivating and addicting
What is fixed interval? Give an example
Reinforcement made once every fixed amount of time. E.g being payed once a month regardless of the hours you work
What is a variable ratio? Give an example
Where the time between reinforcement is varied. E.g playing the national lottery
What does contiguent mean?
When the consequence follows soon after the behaviour- if there’s too long a delay, the conditioning is weakened
