princ. of learning ch 6

Thorndike’s Law of Effect

Behaviors that lead to good consequences are more likely to be repeated and those that lead to unpleasant consequences are less likely to recur

Respndent Behavior

An involuntary, reflexive response elicited by antecedent stimuli acting as a surivial mechanism

Operant Behavior

Voluntary action that operates on the environment to produce consequences

Discriminative Stimulus

An environmental cue or signal that indicates a specific behavior will be reinforced, increasing the likelihood that the behavior will occur in its presence

Positive Reinforcement

Some event (often considered pleasant) is presented following a certain behavior

Negative Reinforcement

Some event (often considered aversive) is removed following a certain behavior

Positive Punishment

Some event (often considered aversive) is presented following a certain behavior

Negative Punishment

Some event (often considered pleasant) is removed following a certain behavior

Natural Reinforcers

Typically provided for a certain behavior; expected consequences of the behavior within that setting (Ex. money is a natural consequence of selling merchandise)

Contrived (or artifical) Reinforcers

Reinforcers that have been deliberately arranged to modify a behavior; not a typical consequence of the behavior within that setting

Shaping

Gradual creation of new behavior through reinforcement of successive approximations

Primary Reinforcer

Best for rapid conditioning, but limited by satiation (Ex. Food, water, shelter)

Secondary Reinforcer

Ideal for maintaining long-term behavior, have no innate biological value & must be learned (Ex. Money, grades, tokens,)