All Flashcards
Compare positive and negative reinforcement.
Both increase behavior; positive reinforcement adds something desirable, negative reinforcement removes something undesirable.
Compare positive and negative punishment.
Both decrease behavior; positive punishment adds something undesirable, negative punishment removes something desirable.
Compare fixed-interval and variable-interval schedules.
Fixed-interval has predictable timing, variable-interval has unpredictable timing; variable-interval produces steadier response rates.
Compare fixed-ratio and variable-ratio schedules.
Fixed-ratio has a set number of responses, variable-ratio has a varying number; variable-ratio produces higher response rates and is more resistant to extinction.
Compare reinforcement and punishment in terms of their effect on behavior.
Reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior, while punishment decreases it.
Compare shaping and chaining.
Shaping reinforces successive approximations of a single behavior. Chaining involves linking together separate behaviors into a sequence.
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 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.