Theory of learning: Operant conditioning P2

Question 1

What must effective conditioning be when using punishment + reinforcement?

Answer 1

ContingENT + contigUENT

Question 2

What is contingent?

Answer 2

Clear link between behaviour + consequence it produces

They know exactly what theyre being rewarded or punished for

Question 3

What is contiguent?

Answer 3

Consequence follows after behaviour

If there’s too much delay, conditioning weakened

Question 4

What are the 5 types of reinforcement schedules?

Answer 4

• Fixed interval
• Variable interval
• Fixed ratio
• Variable ratio
• Continuous

Question 5

What is continuous reinforcement schedule?

Answer 5

Reward given every time desired behaviour occurs

Question 6

What is positive reinforcement? Give example

Answer 6

Something is added to increase likelihood of behaviour

E.g. Reward added when desired behaviour done

Question 7

What is negative reinforcement? Give example

Answer 7

Something unpleasant is removed to increase likelihood of behaviour

E.g. Applying suncream to avoid sunburn

Question 8

What is primary reinforcement? Give example

Answer 8

Occurs naturally + satisfies basic needs

E.g. Food

Question 9

What is secondary reinforcement?

Answer 9

Strengthens behaviour when they’re associated with a primary reinforcer

E.g Money

Question 10

What is positive punishment? Give example

Answer 10

Something added to decrease likelihood of behaviour

E.g. Bad behaviour gives u detention

Question 11

What is negative punishment? Give example

Answer 11

Something removed to decrease likelihood of behaviour

E.g. Giving attitude gets phone confiscated

Question 12

What is fixed interval reinforcement schedule? Give e.g.

Answer 12

Reward turns up at regular time + desired behaviour increases in run up to reward. Learning + extinction are medium

E.g. Payday

Question 13

What is variable interval reinforcement schedule? Give e.g.

Answer 13

Reward turns up but not sure when + desired behaviour increases slowly but at steady rate

Learning is fast + extinction is slow

E.g. Cheering performance - dont know when going to happen so behaviour continues

Question 14

What is fixed ratio reinforcement schedule? Give e.g.

Answer 14

Reward turns up every time behaviour is carried out so often + learning is fast, extinction is moderate

E.g. Getting 10% off after getting nails done 5 times

Question 15

What is variable ratio reinforcement schedule? Give e.g.

Answer 15

Reward is dispensed randomly, learning is fast + extinction is slow

E.g. Gambling on slot machine

Question 16

What is behaviour shaping?

Answer 16

Instead of waiting for subject to do desired behaviour, any behaviour leading to target behaviour is rewarded

Can be used to teach complex behaviour