Chapter 6 Reinforcement Schedules and Behavior Modification

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to reinforcement schedules and behavior modification from the provided lecture notes.

Fixed Ratio (FR)

A reinforcement schedule where a reinforcer is delivered after every n responses.

Continuous reinforcement

every response is reinforced

intermittent reinforcement

only some of the responses are reinforced

Fixed Ratio example

piece work - earn $10 for each 2 dresses

Fixed Ratio Response

Higher rate of response but pause after

Variable Ratio (VR)

A reinforcement schedule where a reinforcer is delivered after a random number of responses.

Variable ratio example

slot machines

Fixed interval example

waiting for paycheck

Fixed Interval (FI)

A reinforcement schedule where a reinforcer is given for the first response after x amount of time.

Variable Interval (VI)

A reinforcement schedule where a reinforcer is given for the first response after a random amount of time.

Variable interval example

checking your email

Cumulative Recorder

A real-time graph showing a subject's behavior over time.

Resistance to Extinction

How long a subject continues to respond after reinforcers are removed.

Partial Reinforcement Effect (PREE)

The phenomenon where subjects trained on intermittent reinforcement extinguish more slowly than those trained on continuous reinforcement.

Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates (DRL)

A reinforcement schedule where a reinforcer is delivered only if the time between responses passes a criterion.

Differential Reinforcement of High Rates (DRH)

A reinforcement schedule where a reinforcer is given if a certain number of responses occur within a certain amount of time.

Factors that affect performance

quality of reinforced, rate, delay, response, and amount of reinforcement

Behavior modification

using rewards or consequence on purpose to change minds

Token Economy

A system that uses conditioned reinforcement to improve behavior, where individuals earn tokens for desired behaviors that can be traded for rewards.

Schaefer and Martin

chronic schizophrenic (little motivation)

Ivar Lavass

developed an extensive program based on operant principles for autism