Theories of Positive Reinforcement and Neuroscience

A set of flashcards to help review key concepts related to theories of positive reinforcement and the neuroscientific basis of behavior.

What does Hull's Drive-Reduction Theory attribute to the effectiveness of a reinforcer?

It attributes the effectiveness of a reinforcer to the reduction of a drive or motivational state caused by deprivation.

What is the premise of the Relative Value Theory?

It considers reinforcers to be behaviors and attributes a reinforcer’s effectiveness to its probability relative to other behaviors.

Define the Premack Principle.

The Premack Principle states that the opportunity to engage in a high probability behavior after a low probability behavior will serve as a reinforcer.

What does Response-Deprivation Theory suggest about behaviors?

It suggests that a behavior is reinforcing to the extent that the organism has been deprived of performing that behavior relative to its baseline frequency.

What are the two processes involved in the Two-Process Theory of avoidance?

Both Pavlovian and Operant processes are involved.

How did Skinner view the relationship between behavior and physiology?

Skinner maintained that his behaviorism should remain autonomous from physiology and neuroscience, focusing only on the environment and emitted behavior.

What is Hebbian Learning?

Hebbian Learning describes how neurons adapt during learning, involving increased synaptic efficacy from persistent stimulation of a postsynaptic cell.

What significant discovery did Olds and Milner make in their 1954 study?

They discovered that electrical stimulation of certain brain areas could serve as a reinforcer for rats.

What major brain area did Olds and Milner find to be crucial in their electrical stimulation experiments?

They found that the septal area was a critical site where rats worked extensively to receive stimulation.

What role does dopamine play in reward learning?

Dopamine is involved in activating reward pathways and is crucial for the sensation of reward, influencing learning behaviors.

List the two important dopamine pathways in Reward Learning.

Mesocortical (primary reward pathway) and Mesolimbic (emotion pathway necessary for the feeling of reward).

What did Skinner refer to as 'Atoms of Behavior'?

He referred to small behavioral units or 'Response Elements' that serve as functional units of reinforcement.

What was the aim of Stein's in vitro reinforcement experiment?

To test the hypothesis that dopamine receptors are the 'Atoms of Behavior' responsible for learning.

What is Behavioral Neuroscience?

It is the study of the biological basis of behavior in humans and animals, incorporating physiological, genetic, and developmental mechanisms.

When is Exam 1 scheduled?

Exam 1 is scheduled for Wednesday, 10/6/25, during the regularly scheduled class time.