Shaping & Chaining Flashcards
Shaping & Chaining are :
Types of operant conditioning because it’s about rewards
Shaping
Training procedure, gradually learning a complex behavior, success of a desired behavior is reinforced
IMPORTANT NOTE : You are upping the ante every time
Example : Potty training for toddlers
- Kids may wet their diaper, but are reinforced for at least saying they need to go to the bathroom
- Sitting “on the potty” will earn a reward even if the attempt is unsuccessful
Chaining
Mastering a sequence of behaviors is called a behavior chain
- Behaviors have to be accomplished in a certain order to earn a reward
Types of Chaining
Forward chaining – reward first behavior until it is mastered.
- Then introduce second part
- Eventually reinforce only after both are completed.
Backward chaining – you teach the last part of the chain first (reinforce it), then introduce the part before it
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Chain is NOT performed backwards!
6 Variables affecting Reinforcement
(C.C. SR. TD. MO. CC)
- Contingency
- Contiguity
- Strength of reinforcer
- Task difficulty
- Motivating operations
- Competing contingencies
Contingency
Need for consistency again.
- The rate at which learning occurs and varies with the degree to which a behavior is followed by a reinforcer
- Correlation between behavior and reinforcement
- Am I constantly getting a reward after completing the behavior?
Contiguity
interval of time between the behavior and the punishment
- The gap between has a powerful effect o
- Immediate rewards will result in faster learning
Strength of reinforcer
Strong rewards typically result in faster learning
- Would you learn a new task more efficiently if offered $10 or $100?
- Strong rewards are things you really like
Task difficulty
The more difficult the behavior, the longer it will take to master
- Behavior chains take longer to master than single tasks
Motivating Operation
Primary reinforcers become more powerful and motivating when the subject is hungry or thirsty
Competing contingencies
Students often feel the pull of multiple reinforcers, which will reinforce different behaviors (party vs. study).
Extinction of Reinforced Behaviors
Extinction: withholding the consequences that reinforce a behavior
Extinction Burst
Initially when you take away the reinforcement, the subject may actually engage in more behaviors, hoping to see the reward
Spontaneous Recovery
Occurs when reinforcement returns; typically makes the learning even stronger
Resurgence
Example :
1. If you train a rat to push the lever
2. Then extinguish that behavior and teach him to stand
3. And then extinguish that behavior, he may start pushing the lever again
