Learning pt 2

Continuous reinforcement

Every response is reinforced.

Intermittent reinforcement

Only some responses are reinforced according to a schedule.

Partial reinforcement (extinction) effect

Intermittently reinforced responding persists longer during extinction.

Schedules of reinforcement

Rules specifying when a response will be reinforced.

Ratio schedules

Rules based on number of responses.

Interval schedules

Rules based on elapsed time.

Cumulative record

Plots responses against elapsed time.

Fixed interval schedule

Response reinforced after a fixed time since the last reinforcer.

Variable interval schedule

Response reinforced after a variable time since the last reinforcer.

Differential reinforcement of other behaviour

Reinforcement occurs only when unwanted behaviour has not occurred.

Fixed Ratio (FR) schedule

Response reinforced after a fixed number of responses.

Variable Ratio (VR) schedule

Response reinforced after a variable number of responses.

Fixed Time (FT) schedule

Reinforcer delivered after a fixed time, regardless of responding.

Superstition (Skinner)

Behaviour strengthened when reinforcement accidentally follows it.

Stimulus control

Extent to which preceding stimuli affect operant behaviour.

Stimulus context

Environment or stimuli in which behaviour is learned or performed.

S+ (Positive stimulus)

Stimulus signalling that reinforcement is available.

Generalisation

Learned behaviour occurs with stimuli similar to the training stimulus.

Stimulus generalisation gradient

Responding decreases as stimuli become less similar to S+.

Discrimination

Behaving differently when stimuli signal different consequences.

Antecedent

Stimulus or event occurring before behaviour that signals likely consequences.

ABC of Behaviour

A = Antecedent, B = Behaviour, C = Consequence.