Operant Conditioning and Reinforcement Schedules

These flashcards cover key concepts related to operant conditioning and various reinforcement schedules discussed in the lecture.

Fixed Interval Schedule

A schedule of reinforcement where reinforcement is provided after a specific amount of time has elapsed.

Fixed Ratio Schedule

A schedule of reinforcement that provides reinforcement only after a specific number of responses are made.

Variable Ratio Schedule

A schedule of reinforcement in which reinforcement occurs after a varying number of responses, leading to high response rates.

Operant Conditioning

A type of learning where behavior is controlled by consequences.

Voluntary Responses

Deliberate actions performed by an organism to produce a desired outcome.

Stimulus Discrimination

The ability to differentiate between different stimuli and respond accordingly.

Positive Reinforcement

The addition of a stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Negative Reinforcement

The removal of an aversive stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reemergence of extinguished conditioned responses after a period of rest.

Shaping

The process of teaching a complex behavior by reinforcing closer and closer approximations of the desired behavior.

Latent Learning

Learning that occurs without reinforcement and is not immediately reflected in behavior.