AP Psych Unit 4 Test Part 4 - Reinforcement Schedules + Punishment

Fixed Interval

Reinforcement is given at predictable time intervals

Fixed Interval Result

Moderate response with significant pauses after reinforcement

Variable Interval

Reinforcement is given at unpredictable time intervals

Variable Interval Result

Moderate yet steady response rate

Fixed Ratio

Reinforcement is given after a predictable number of responses

Fixed Ratio Result

High response rate with pauses after reinforcement

Variable Ratio

Reinforcement is given after an unpredictable number of responses

Variable Ratio Result

High and steady response rate

What is the main difference between fixed/variable interval and fixed/variable ratio?

Fixed/variable interval happens when a certain time elapses, fixed/variable ratio happens when a certain number of responses happen

Punishment

While reinforcement increases a behavior, punishment does the opposite

Punisher

Any event that diminishes the behavior it follows

What is the first drawback of physical punishment?

Punished behavior is suppressed, not forgotten

What is the second drawback of physical punishment?

Punishment teaches discrimination

What is the third drawback of physical punishment?

Punishment can teach fear

What is the fourth drawback of physical punishment?

Physical punishment models aggression as a way to cope with problems

What does positive punishment do?

Adds something unpleasant

What does negative punishment do?

Removes something desirable