AP Psychology- Reinforcement

positive reinforcement

Increasing behaviors by presenting positive stimuli, such as food. A positive reinforcer is any stimulus that, when presented after a response, strengthens the response.

conditioned reinforcer

Also known as secondary reinforcer. A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its associations with a primary reinforcer.

reinforcer

An event that increases the frequency of a preceding response.

primary reinforcer

An innately reinforcing stimulus, such as one that satisfies a biological need. Do not rely on learning.

negative reinforcement

Increasing behaviors by stopping or reducing negative stimuli, such as shock. A negative reinforcer is any stimulus that, when removed after a response, strengthens the response. (Note: negative reinforcement is not punishment.)

partial (intermittent) reinforcement

Reinforcing a response only part of the times; results in slower acquisition of a response but much greater resistance to extinction than continuous reinforcement.

continuous reinforcer

Reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs.

reinforcement

increases frequency of behavior. + present good thing - take away bad thing