All Flashcards
Explain Positive Reinforcement.
Adding something pleasant to increase a behavior.
Explain Negative Reinforcement.
Removing something unpleasant to increase a behavior.
Explain Positive Punishment.
Adding something unpleasant to decrease a behavior.
Explain Negative Punishment.
Removing something pleasant to decrease a behavior.
Describe a Fixed-Interval schedule.
Reinforcement after a set amount of time; produces a scalloped pattern.
Describe a Variable-Interval schedule.
Reinforcement after varying amounts of time; produces a steady rate of behavior.
Describe a Fixed-Ratio schedule.
Reinforcement after a set number of behaviors; produces high rates of behavior.
Describe a Variable-Ratio schedule.
Reinforcement after a varying number of behaviors; produces the highest and most consistent rates.
What is the key difference between reinforcement and punishment?
Reinforcement increases behavior; punishment decreases behavior.
Why is partial reinforcement more resistant to extinction than continuous reinforcement?
Because the subject is used to not receiving reinforcement every time, so occasional non-reinforcement is less noticeable.
How does shaping work in operant conditioning?
It involves reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior.
Why does instinctive drift limit what you can teach an animal?
Because animals will revert to their innate behaviors, overriding learned ones.
What is Operant Conditioning?
Learning where behaviors are strengthened or weakened based on consequences.
What is the Law of Effect?
Behaviors with good outcomes are more likely to be repeated, those with bad outcomes less likely.
What is Reinforcement?
Any consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior.
What is Punishment?
Any consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior.
What are Primary Reinforcers?
Innately rewarding stimuli like food or water.
What are Secondary Reinforcers?
Learned rewards, such as money or praise.
What is Reinforcement Discrimination?
Responding only to specific stimuli, not others.
What is Reinforcement Generalization?
Responding to similar stimuli as the original reinforced stimulus.
What is Shaping?
Gradually molding behavior by rewarding steps towards the desired behavior.
What is Instinctive Drift?
The tendency for animals to revert to their natural behaviors, even when trained.
What is Superstitious Behavior?
A false connection between a behavior and outcome due to accidental reinforcement.
What is Learned Helplessness?
Learning that one has no control over negative events, leading to a lack of effort.
What is Continuous Reinforcement?
Reinforcement after every correct behavior.
What is Partial Reinforcement?
Reinforcement given intermittently, not after every behavior.
What is the effect of continuous reinforcement on extinction?
Leads to rapid extinction when reinforcement stops.
What is the effect of variable-ratio schedules on behavior?
Produces high and consistent rates of responding.
What are the potential effects of using punishment frequently?
Fear, anxiety, aggression, and suppressed behavior.
How does accidental reinforcement cause superstitious behavior?
It creates a perceived relationship between a behavior and an outcome, even if none exists.
How does lack of control lead to learned helplessness?
Believing that one's actions have no effect on outcomes leads to reduced effort and motivation.
What is the effect of immediate reinforcement vs. delayed reinforcement?
Immediate reinforcement is more effective than delayed reinforcement.
How can positive reinforcement impact intrinsic motivation?
Overuse of external rewards may decrease intrinsic motivation.
What is the effect of inconsistent punishment?
Inconsistent punishment is ineffective and can lead to confusion.