Operant conditioning: Reinforcement and behaviour modification Flashcards
What is continuous reinforcement and what does this lead to?
2
- Reinforcer always follows a behaviour
- Rapid change in behaviour
What is partial reinforcement and how is this achieved?
2
- Irregular reinforcement
- Reinforcement schedule, vary ratio of behaviour to reinforcement
What is a fixed ratio reinforcement schedule?
1
- Reinforcer given after specified nb of behaviours
What is a variable ratio reinforcement schedule and what does it lead to?
2
- Reinforcer given after unpredictable nb of behaviours varies around mean value
- Behaviour change that’s difficult to stop
What is a fixed interval reinforcement schedule?
1
- Time between reinforcers is kept constant
What is behaviour modification?
1
- Therapy where reinforcement is systematically used to ^nb instances of desired behaviour
What is shaping and what is the process?
3
- Encourage complex behaviours
1) Reinforce behaviour vaguely
2) Only continue each time behaviour gets step closer to target behaviour
Evaluate reinforcement and behaviour modification
3
Reinforcement schedules. Dossett found mountain beaver trappers responded better to VR pay ($4) for trapped animal if they also correctly guessed colour of marble, than FR pay of $1 per animal
Simplistic (motivation). Reinforcement properties = range of extrinsic motivation. But, our behaviour also a result of intrinsic motives e.g. interest and enjoyment at work, however well they’re scheduled, reductionist
Treat range of mental health problems, schizo to autism. Lovaas therapy involves intensive reinforcement (shaping), to normalise aspects of behaviour in children with ASD.
What is a variable interval reinforcement schedule and what does it lead to?
2
- Time between reinforcers varied around mean length of time
- Most consistent behaviour
