Positive Reinforcement (Exam 2)

If you can't present a reinforcer immediately following the desired behavior, then provide instructions concerning the...

delay of reinforcement.

Positive Reinforcement vs. Reinforcement

Often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between positive and negative reinforcement.

Natural Reinforcers

UNPROGRAMMED reinforcers that occur in the normal course of everyday living.

Contingent Behavior

When a behavior must occur before a reinforcer will be presented.

The 5 main, Positive Reinforcers

*Some reinforcers work better than others for different individuals. 1. Consumable 2. Activity 3. Manipulative 4. Possessional 5. Social

Examples of Positive Reinforcement following a Undesirable Behaviors (Not Good)

-Child stands up in her high chair -> mother over reacts and gets scared and takes her out of chair. *(This teaches child to perform undesirable behavior of standing up in high chair in order to get a positive reinforcement.)

Latency between Response and Reinforcer (Delayed)

-Contingent reinforcement does control our behavior even when it is administered longer than 30 seconds after the behavior is emitted.

Examples of Delayed Reinforcement

-Going to work to later get pay check. -Studying to do good on a test later on.

Why do behaviors being reinforced first be identified specifically?

-It helps to ensure the reliability of detecting instances of the behavior and changes in its frequency, which is the yardstick by which one judges reinforcer effectiveness. -Also increases the likelihood that the reinforcement program will be applied consistently.

MOTIVATION OPERATIONS (1st Effectiveness factor)

-Temporarily alter the effectiveness of a reinforcer, and alter the frequency of behavior reinforced by the reinforcer. *Reinforcement isn't the same for everyone. -Deprivation vs. Satiation

Pitfalls of Positive Reinforcement

-Those who are aware of the principle of positive reinforcement can use it to bring about desired changes in behavior, the principle operates equally well for those who are not aware of it. -To mistakenly offer positive reinforcement as an overly simplistic explanation of a change in behavior.

Reality of Positive Reinforcement

-Will be effective when it is administered. HOWEVER, you generally aren't able to administer the reinforcement at every instance of behavior. -Most behaviors in everyday life are followed by reinforcers even though no one specifically or deliberately programmed the reinforcer to increase or maintain them.

Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Reinforcers

1. Motivation Operations 2. Reinforcer Size 3. Instructions 4. Reinforcer Immediacy 5. Contingent vs. Noncontingent Reinforcement 6. Weaning the Student from the Program and Changing to Natural Reinforcers

Research on non-human animals suggests that the reinforcer must be administered within how many seconds?

30 seconds. (although shorter is better) *This is also true with non-verbal children

Positive Reinforcer

An event that, when presented immediately following a behavior, causes the behavior to increase in frequency or likelihood of occurrence.

Operant Behaviors

Behaviors that operate on the environment to generate consequences, and are in turn influenced by those consequences.

Most reinforcers will not be effective unless the individual has been what?

Deprived of them for some period of time prior to their use.

Social (Positive Reinforcer)

Ex: Affectionate pats and hugs, praise, nods, smiles.

Possessional (Positive Reinforcer)

Ex: Enjoy some other item that one can possess.

Consumable (Positive Reinforcer)

Ex: Items that one can eat or drink.

Manipulative (Positive Reinforcer)

Ex: Opportunities to play with a favorite toy, ride a bike, play video games.

Activity (Positive Reinforcer)

Ex: Opportunities to watch TV

Reinforcer Immediacy (4th Factor)

For maximum effectiveness, a reinforcer should be give IMMEDIATELY after the desired response. -The distinction between direct & indirect acting effects of reinforcement has important implications for practitioners.

In order for a reinforcer to reinforce a response, it must...

IMMEDIATELY follow that response.

Non-Contingent Behavior

If a reinforcer is presented at a particular time, regardless of the preceding behavior. *Generally, not effective in changing behavior. Can be important in establishing positive environments.

Verbal Behaviors

Self statements about the contingency that exists.

Instructions (3rd factor)

Specific instructions will speed up the learning process for individuals who understand them. -Make Use of Rules -Instructions may influence an individual to work for delayed reinforcement. -Also may help individuals learn to follow instructions.

Positive Reinforcement Principle

States that if in a given situation, somebody does something that is followed immediately by a POSITIVE REINFORCER, then that person is more likely to do the same thing again when he or she next encounters a similar situation.

Operant behaviors followed by reinforcers are strengthened or weakened?

Strengthened

If a behavior that has been strengthened by reinforcement is no longer reinforced at least occasional, then...

The behavior will return to its original level.

Natural Environment

The setting in which natural reinforcers occur. *BMOD's should always try to ensure that the behavior being established in a training program will be reinforced and maintained in the natural environment.

Reinforcer Size (2nd factor)

The size (or amount or magnitude) of a reinforcer is an important determinant of its effectiveness.

Rule Governed Behavior

These rules influence an individual to work for delayed reinforcement. Additionally, when you state the rule along with giving the reinforcement, it teaches individuals to follow rules, which is generally considered to be desirable.