5/10/23 & 12/10/23: Learning II

B.F. Skinner

The most influential behaviorist who improved Thorndike's Law of Effect by stating that behavior that is reinforced (positive or negative) will be repeated.

Reinforcer

Something that increases a behavior.

B.F. Skinner

The most influential behaviorist who improved Thorndike's Law of Effect by stating that behavior that is reinforced (positive or negative) will be repeated.

Reinforcer

Something that increases a behavior.

Punishment

Something that decreases a behavior and should be used as a last resort.

Positive Reinforcement (Skinner)

When you receive a reward for a certain behavior.

Negative Reinforcement/Escape or Avoidance Learning (Skinner)

Increasing a behavior in order to escape or avoid something.

Shaping

(process of) teaching a behavior by rewarding approximations (baby steps) toward it

Chaining

(process of) breaking the behavior down to approximations + teaching the final behavior first

Social (Observational) Learning Theorists

Albert Bandura = Band (social event); believe in observation + imitation in addition the classical/operant learning

Primary Reinforcers

naturally reoccurring enforcers (ex. water, food, pain, sex)

Secondary Reinforcers

the enforcer’s value must be learned before they can reinforce (ex. tokens, money, grades)

Schedules of Reinforcement

how often the payout occurs

Fixed Ratio Schedule

(# is constant) when you’re reinforced after a certain # of correct responses (ex. 1 token/20 questions correct on WS)

Variable Ratio Schedule

(# varies) # of correct responses needed for a payout changes (ex. # of plays on slot machines b4 a win varies)

Fixed Interval Schedule

(time is constant) a certain amount of time must pass before a payout (ex. mail comes at 11 daily)

Variable Interval Schedule

(time varies) the time before a payout varies (ex. shooting stars fall at unpredictable intervals)