Week 5

Question 1

What was E.L Thorndike’s Law of Effect?

Answer 1

The probability of a behaviour being repeated will strengthen if it is followed by a positive or satisfying consequence.

Question 2

What is B.F Skinner’s Theory?

Answer 2

Reinforcement - increases the likelihood of a response
Punishment - decreases the probability of a response

Question 3

What is operant conditioning?

Answer 3

Learning that occurs as a result of the consequences of our actions - individuals make an association between particular behaviours and their consequence

Question 4

What are the two types of stimulus events?

Answer 4

Pleasant (appetitive)
Unpleasant (aversive)

Question 5

What is reinforcement and punishment?

Answer 5

There are two types of effects that occur as a result of behaviour:

Reinforcement - any contingent relationship between a consequence and a response that causes the response to INCREASE in frequency

Punishment - any contingent relationship between a consequence and a response that cause the response the DECREASE in frequency

Question 6

What are some applications of operant conditioning?

Answer 6

Biofeedback
Therapy for Autism
Dog training
Behavioural Therapy
Token Economies
Remedial Education

Question 7

What are primary and secondary reinforcers?

Answer 7

PRIMARY: Reinforcers that occur naturally or innately eg hunger, thirst, libido

SECONDARY: Reinforcers created through a learned association with a primary reinforcer

Question 8

What is the Premack Principle?

Answer 8

A form of reinforcement in which a person is incentivised to do something they don’t like by being offered a reward of something they do lik e