All Flashcards
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.
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.
How is positive reinforcement used in dog training?
Giving a dog a treat for performing a desired behavior.
How is negative reinforcement used to treat anxiety?
Taking medication to remove anxious feelings, increasing medication use.
How is positive punishment used in parenting?
Giving a child extra chores for misbehaving.
How is negative punishment used in schools?
Taking away recess time for disruptive behavior.
Give an example of a fixed-interval schedule in everyday life.
Checking the oven frequently when baking, as the cake will only be ready after a certain time.
Give an example of a variable-ratio schedule in gambling.
Slot machines pay out after a random number of plays, keeping people playing.
How can shaping be used to teach a child to write?
Rewarding them for holding a pencil, then for making marks, then for forming letters.
How does learned helplessness relate to depression?
Repeated negative experiences can lead to a belief that one cannot control their environment, contributing to depression.
How can operant conditioning be used to improve workplace safety?
Rewarding employees for following safety protocols and punishing unsafe behaviors.
How can a token economy use operant conditioning?
Earning tokens for good behavior that can be exchanged for rewards.