Schedules of Reinforcement and Behaviour Modification Flashcards
What is a reinforcement schedule?
A plan of how often and when reinforcement will be provided.
What is behaviour modification?
The use of operant conditioning techniques to change the frequency of desired behaviours.
Define shaping.
The process of modifying behaviours by reinforcing the desired behaviour.
What is continuous reinforcement?
Is it effective?
If a behaviour is continuously reinforced then the reinforcer always follows the same behaviour. Eg: paying a child every time they do washing up.
Shaping occurs rapidly but the effects don’t tend to last.
What is partial reinforcement?
Is it effective?
Reinforcement that is irregular. Shaping occurs slower but effects last longer.
What is a fixed ratio reinforcement schedule?
A reinforcer is given after a specified number of behaviours. For example, paying a child every 5 times they wash up.
What is a variable ratio reinforcement schedule?
A reinforcer is given after an unpredictable number of behaviours. Variable ratio schedules lead to behaviour change that is difficult to extinguish.
What is a fixed interval reinforcement schedule?
The time between reinforcements is kept constant. Eg: Paying a child at the end of 10 minutes if they have washed up 1 or more times.
What is variable interval reinforcement?
The time between reinforcements varies.
What is the most successful reinforcement schedule?
Variable interval reinforcement.
Evaluate the supporting evidence of reinforcement and behaviour modification.
Supported by Animal and Human studies:
Mountain animal hunters responded better to variable ratio pay in which they received $4 for an animal rather than fixed ratio pay where they received $1 for each animal
Evaluate the opposing evidence of reinforcement and behaviour modification.
We can be motivated by rewards that come from within, such as interest and enjoyment.
Reinforcement properties can only give a partial explain of human behaviour.
How can reinforcement and behaviour modification be applied?
Treatment of mental health:
Children with autism can be shaped to normalise some aspects of their disorder.
= Behaviour modification has a practical benefit to clients.
