Psychology Module 15

Operant Conditioning

- a type of learning in which the frequency of a behavior depends on the consequence that follows that behavior - the frequency will increase if the consequences is reinforcing to the subject - the frequency will decrease if the consequences is not reinforcing to the subject

Types of Punishment

- an undesirable event following a behavior - a desirable state or event ends following a behavior

Edward Thorndike

- author of the law of effect, the principle that forms the basis of operant conditioning - behaviors with favorable consequences will occur more frequently - created puzzle boxes for research on cats

B.F. Skinner

- developed the fundamental principles and techniques of operant conditioning devised ways to apply them in the real world - designed the skinner box, or operant chamber

Negative Effects of Punishment

- doesn't prevent that undesirable behavior when away from the punisher - can lead to fear, anxiety, and lower self esteem - children who are punished physically may learn to use aggression as a means to solve problems

Overjustification Effect

- effect of promising a reward for doing what one already likes to do. - the reward may lessen and replace the person's original, natural motivation, so that the behavior stops if the reward is eliminated

Immediate/Delayed Reinforcement

- immediate reinforcement is more effective than delayed reinforcement - ability to delay gratification predicts higher achievement

Fixed Ratio Schedule

- in operant conditioning a partial reinforcement schedule that rewards a response only after some defined number of correct responses. - the faster the subject responds the more reinforcements they will receive

Variable Ratio Schedule

- in operant conditioning a partial reinforcement schedule that rewards an unpredictable number of correct responses.

Fixed Interval Schedule

- in operant conditioning a partial reinforcement schedule that rewards only the first correct response after some defined period of time - i.e. weekly quiz in a class

Variable Interval Schedule

- in operant conditioning a partial reinforcement schedule that rewards the first correct response after an unpredictable amount of time - i.e. " pop " quiz in a class

Partial Reinforcement

- in operant conditioning a schedule of reinforcement in which a reward follows only some correct responses - includes the following types: - fixed interval and variable interval - fixed ratio and variable ratio

Positive Reinforcement

- in operant conditioning anything that increases the likelihood of a behavior by following it with a desirable event or state - the subject receives something they want - will strength the behavior

Negative Reinforcement

- in operant conditioning anything that increases the likelihood of a behavior by following it with the removal of an undesirable event or state - something the subject doesn't like is removed - will strengthen the behavior

Continuous Reinforcement

- in operant conditioning, a schedule of reinforcement in which a reward follows every correct response - most useful way to establish a behavior - the behavior will extinguish quickly once the reinforcement stops.

Latent Learning

- learning that occurs but is not app aren't until the learner has an incentive to demonstrate it. - tolman and honzik's study on muse learning

Positive Effects of Punishment

- punishment can effectively control certain behaviors - especially useful if teaching a child not to do a dangerous behavior - most still suggest reinforcing an incompatible behavior rather than using punishment

Shaping

- reinforcement of behaviors that are increasingly similar to the desired one - the operant technique used to establish a new behavior

Reinforcement Punishment

- reinforcement: any consequence that increases the future likelihood of a behavior - punishment: any consequence that decreases the future likelihood of a behavior - the subject determines if a consequence is reinforcing or punishing

Primary Reinforcement

- something that is naturally reinforcing - examples: food, warmth, water, etc - the item is reinforcing in and of itself

Secondary Reinforcement

- something that you have learned to value - money is a good example