Vocabulary Flashcards
Alternate Response Training (ART)
A behavior modification strategy whereby an individual is trained to engage in one specific response or any one of several responses that interferes with or replaces another less desirable resposne
Behavior
An observable or measurable response or act
Behavioral aggression
Aggression caused by an animal’s reaction to stimuli in the environment
Chain
2+ behaviors linked together as a single unit. The stimulus linking the behavior together serves as both a conditioned reinforcer, maintaining the topography and frequency of behaviors produced, and as the stimuli setting the occastion for the following behaviors.
Classical conditioning
Type of learning in which a neutral (conditioned) stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus which automatically elicits a reflex response. After repeatedly following the conditioned stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus, the conditioned stimulus alone will elicit a reflex response.
Conditioned reinforcer
A previously neutral stimulus that has become reinforcing because of its association with basic, unconditioned reinforcers
Conditioned response
In classical conditioning, a response that develops to the conditioned stimulus after a number of pairings of the conditioned stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus.
Conditioned stimulus
In classical conditioning, a previously neutral stimulus that, through pairing with an unconditioned stimulus, acquired the ability to elicit a response similar to the original response to the unconditioned stimulus
Desensitization
An attempt to eliminate phobias by pairing a positive reinforcer with the stimulus that was causing fear
Differential reinforcement of alternate behavior (DRA)
delivery of a reinforcer following an appropriate response that serves that same function as the target response that is to be suppressed. Effect is to increase the frequency of the alternate response and to decrease the frequency of the undesired target response
Differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI)
delivery of a reinforcer following a response that is incompatible or competes with a target response that is to be suppressed. Effect is to increase the frequency of the incompatible response and to decrease the frequency of the undesired target response. All DRIs are types of DRAs, but not all DRAs are DRIs
Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO)
Delivery of a reinforcer after any response except the target response. Individual is reinforced only when not performing the target response. Effect of a DRO schedule is to decrease the target (unreinforced) response
Discrimination
The ability, acquired through learning, to make disctinctions between stimuli that are similar but not exactly alike
Discriminative stimulus
A stimulus whose presence elicits a conditioned response based on previous learning
Duration
Amount of time that a behavior is performed
Elicit
To automatically bring about a response. Respndent or reflex behaviors are elicited by unconditioned stimulus
Enrichment
Stimuli and methods used as tools to increase interest in the environment, stimulate behaviors that more closely resemble those of a healthy, wild animal, and to decrease the frequency of stereotypical behaviors
Extinction burst
- Increase in responses that is brought about by the withdrawal of reinforcemet
- Occur just prior to extinction
Fading
Gradual removal of a discriminative stimulus, including prompts that may have helped develop the behavior. Fading can also refer to the gradual removal of reinforcement, as in the progressive thinning of a reinforcement schedule
Frequency
The number of times that a response occurs
Hormonal aggression
Aggression caused by fluctuations in an animal’s hormones
Learning
A change in behavior as a result of past experiences
least reinforcing scenario (LRS)
- Specific extinction technique based on a DRO
- Least change to the environment possible following an incorrect response at the same point where reinforcement would have been given
- Trainer’s response also functions as a stimulus for the animal to behave calmly and attentively
Negative reinforcer
an increase in the frequency of a response in order to avoid the onset of, or to terminate, an aversive stimulus
Observational learning
Type of learning in which the behavior of another organism is observed and imitated
Operant behavior
Emitted behavior that is controlled by its consequences
Operant conditioning
Type of learning in which behaviors are altered primarily by regulating the consequences which follow them. The frequency of operant behaviors is altered by the consequences which they produce
Physcial duress
When an animal is experiencing discomfort due to illness, injury, or medical treatment
Positive reinforcement
presentation of a reinforcer following the performance of a correct response, which increases the probability that the response will recur in the future
Primary reinforcement
Reinforcing event that does not depend on learning to achieve its reinforcing properties - usually stimuli that satisfy biological drives such as hunger or thirst AKA unconditioned reinforcement
Prompt
An antecedent event that helps initiate a response; a discriminative stimulus that occasions a response
Reflex
An involuntary, spontaneous, and unlearned bodily response to a stimulus. The relationship between an eliciting stimulus and an elicited response such as the contraction of the pupil as a result of shining light on it
Reinforcer
any stimulus that increases the probability of a response being emitted
Respondent behavior
behavior that is elicited or automatically controlled by antecedent stimuli. Reflexes are respondent because their performance automatically follows certain stimuli
Secondary reinforcer
A previously neutral stimulus that has become reinforcing because of its association with basic, unconditioned reinforcers
Shaping
Operant conditioning technique for achieving a final behavior by reinforcing succesive approximations toward the terminal response
Social aggression
Hostile behavior directed at something else in the environment as a result of territorial displacement (change in social rank, territory, additon of members, vulnerability to attack from others, and dominance/defense) or resource acquisition (food, breeding rights, or predatory behavior)
Spontaneous recovery
Process whereby a conditioned response reappears after apparent extinction
Stimulus
An external/internal object/event that may have an effect on behavior
Successive approximation
Small changes in behavior in the direction of a terminal resoonse. such changes are reinforced during the process of shaping
Topography
The detailed configuration of an individual behavior
Unconditioned response
An innate response that is elicited by an unconditioned stimulus without prior learning. Any display of instinct is an unconditioned response
