Operant Conditioning Flashcards
Shaping
A procedure in which a reinforcer is given for each response that is closer and eventually leads to the desired response. Also called ‘the method of successive approximations’
Fixed interval Schedule
Reinforcement is delivered after a fixed one period as long as at least one correct response has been given
Fixed ratio schedule
Reinforcement is delivered after a fixed number of correct responses
Variable interval schedule
Reinforcement takes place on an average of a set time interval but not with regular frequency
Variable ratio schedule
Reinforcement takes place in the basis of a set average number of correct responses but is not regular in its occurrence
Partial Reinforcement
When only some correct responses are reinforced.
Responses conditioned are acquired more slowly but take longer to extinguish than when using continuous reinforcement.
There are four different schedules of partial reinforcement.
Continuous reinforcement
When a correct response is reinforced every tie it is given. Behaviours are acquired rapidly and low resistance to extinction.
Schedules of reinforcement
the frequency and manner in which a response is reinforced (or punished) having a major effect on changing behaviours.
reinforcer
any stimulus that strengthens or increases the likelihood of a response
Positive reinforcer
a reward which strengthens a response by providing a pleasant or satisfying consequence
Negative reinforcer
the removal, reduction, or prevention of an unpleasant stimulus
Punishers
any stimulus that weakens or decreases the likelihood of a response. Punishers are any consequences that lead to a decrease in a given response
punishments
a behaviour followed by a negative experience
response cost punishment
a form of punishment that entails something desirable being removed
Operant conditioning
a type of learning in which behaviour becomes controlled by its consequences
