PSYCH EXAM 2 - Learning II

2 Types of Conditioning

Classical, operant

Operant conditioning definition

The consequences of behavior determine the probability that the behavior will occur again

Reinforcement means that

Probability of behavior increases

Punishment means that

Probability of behavior decreases

Positive always means

Add

Negative always means

Remove

** Negative reinforcement is NOT the same as punishment

reminder!!

2 types of reinforcers

Primary, secondary

Primary reinforcers

Natural, do not need to learn that these are reinforcing

Secondary reinforcers

Must learn that these are reinforcing, learn connection with classical conditioning to then be used for operant

Secondary reinforcer examples

Money tokens, clicker, marker words (yes, good)

Primary reinforcer examples

Food, water, warmth

Who chooses what’s reinforcing?

Learner

Shaping (Positive reinforcement)

Animal offers behavior without assistance, successive approximations with more complex behaviors

Premack principle

Preferred behaviors can be used as reinforcements for less preferred behaviors (Ex. 1st do HW, 2nd play)

Continuous reinforcement

Reward after every behavior

Intermittent reinforcement

Reward after only some occurrences of behavior

To establish a behavior, use

continuous reinforcement

To maintain a behavior, use

intermittent reinforcement

Which schedule works best for maintaining a high response rate?

Variable