operant conditioning Flashcards
research to support operant conditioning.
skinner used rats and a Skinner box (operant conditioning box) inside the box was a lever which would release food when pulled. he found that when the food was always released after pressing. the lever the rat behaves predictably. if the food is released randomly then the rat behaviours erradictly like an addict.
how is behaviour taught
to promote desired behaviour …
positive reinforcement - addition of something pleasant ie chocolate
negative reinforcement - removal of something unpleasant ie detention
to stop undesirable behaviour …
positive punishment - addition of something unpleasant ie being sent to your room
negative punishment - removal of something pleasant ie having your phone taken off you.
what is extinction
This is when the desired behaviour is forgotten because it is not reinforced.
what are the ABCs of behaviour
Antecedent - Accidentally triggers the release of food
Behaviour - the response ie keep pressing the lever to get the food
Consequence - food keeps coming out.
what is the application
it is used for military drills, behavioural therapy (ie in AN treatment) token economy and animal training. also used in schools and prisons using house points and detentions.
what is the difference between primary and secondary reinforcement
primary is a natural response that is unlearnt (evolutionary links ie jealousy when our partner is round opposite sex) where as secondary is a learnt response that is conditioned (ie when dogs can give you paw and roll over).
give two types of continuous schedules
fixed ratio - applying the reinforcement after a specific number of behaviours. ie taking way teenagers phone after ask them five times to put in down whilst at the dinner table. however this type of reinforcement means that the learner will continue to push the boundaries up until the preset number.
fixed interval - applying reinforcer after a fixed amount of time ie working really hard and getting a pay check at the end of the month
RESPONSE IS SLOW AND EXTINCTION IS FAST
what is a variable reinforcer give two examples
behaviour is reinforced after random amounts time have passed.
variable ratio - variable number of response ie gambling you can put three coins in and get 2 coins back or 4 coins in and 7 coins back so its difficult to stop
variable interval - reinforcing something after a variable amount of time ie when you have a boss who checks on you at random times you are more likely to work harder as you don’t know when they will come and check on you.
RESPONSE IS FAST AND EXTINCTION IS SLOW
What are primary and secondary reinforcers
Primary - satisfies a basic biological need such as food.
Secondary - satisfies wants rather then needs such as money
