Operant Conditioning (Chapter 14)

Question 1

Operant Conditioning Definition

Answer 1

Operant conditioning is a form of learning. In it, an individual changes its behaviour because of the consequences (results) of the behaviour. The person or animal learns its behaviour has a consequence. That consequence may be. Reinforcement: a positive or rewarding event.

Question 2

Three Phase Model of Operant Conditioning (DBC)

Answer 2

Stimulus→ Response→ Consequence

The DISCRIMINATIVE STIMULUS (the environment) that makes the conditions right for the BEHAVIOUR to follow and be reinforced by its CONSEQUENCES.

Question 3

Shaping Definition

Answer 3

Reinforcement is given for any responses that successively approximates and ultimately moves towards the desired behaviour

Question 4

Token Economy Definition

Answer 4

A setting in which an individual who displays desired behaviour receives tokens (i.e. reinforcers), which can be collected and exchanged for other reinforcers in the form of actual/tangible rewards.

Question 5

Reinforcement Definition

Answer 5

Reinforcement: applying a positive stimulus or removing a negative stimulus to strengthen/increase the likelihood of a particular response

Question 6

Positive Reinforcement Definition

Answer 6

Presentation of a stimulus that strengthens/increases the likelihood of a desired response by providing a satisfying consequence (reward)

Question 7

Negative Reinforcement Definition

Answer 7

Removal of an unpleasant stimulus to strengthen/increase the likelihood of a desired response

• Designed to increase a desired behaviour

Question 8

Punishment Definition

Answer 8

Applying a negative stimulus or removing a positive stimulus to weaken/decrease the likelihood of a particular response

Question 9

Positive Punishment Definition

Answer 9

Giving an unpleasant stimulus

e. g. smack
- Designed to decrease an undesirable behaviour

Question 10

Negative Punishment Definition

Answer 10

Taking away something pleasant (response cost)

Question 11

Factors Effecting Reinforcement/Punishment - ORDER OR PRESENTATION

Answer 11

ORDER OF PRESENTATION: reinforcement needs to occur after the desired response - not before! So the organism associates the reinforcement with the behaviour.

Question 12

Factors Effecting Reinforcement/Punishment - TIMING

Answer 12

TIMING: reinforcers need to occur as close in time to the desired response as possible. Most effective reinforcement occurs immediately after the desired response.

Question 13

Factors Effecting Reinforcement/Punishment - APPROPRIATES OF REINFORCER

Answer 13

APPROPRIATES OF REINFORCER: for a stimulus to be a reinforcer it must provide a pleasing or satisfying consequences for its recipient.

Question 14

Schedules of Reinforcement Description

Answer 14

Continuous Reinforcement = CRF reinforcement for each behaviour performed

Partial Reinforcement = only some correct responses rewarded

Question 15

Partial Reinforcement Overview

Answer 15

RATIO = number of responses
INTERVAL = time between responses
FIXED = responses are reinforced in a predictable manner
VARIABLE = responses that are randomly reinforced (unpredictable)

1. FIXED-RATIO
2. VARIABLE-RATIO
3. FIXED-INTERVAL
4. VARIABLE-INTERVAL

Question 16

Fixed Ratio Overview

Answer 16

Reinforcement given after a SET (fixed), UNVARYING (ratio) of desired responses.

• Produces fastest response rate
• Response rate is erratic
• Less resistant to extinction than variable ratio

Question 17

Variable Ratio Overview

Answer 17

Reinforcement given after IRREGULAR (variable) # of correct responses (ratio).

• Produces a steady response rate
• More resistant to extinction than fixed ratio

Question 18

Fixed Interval Overview

Answer 18

Delivery of reinforcer after SET period of TIME after correct response made.

• Produces erratic response rate
• Less resistant to extinction than variable interval

Question 19

Variable Interval Overview

Answer 19

Reinforcer given after IRREGULAR (variable) PERIODS after correct response.

• Results in a low but steady response rate
• More resistant to extinction than fixed interval