Psych of learning Flashcard Set

Fixed Interval (FI) Schedule

Reinforcement given after a set period of time if the behavior is performed.

Fixed Ratio (FR) Schedule

Reinforcement after a set number of responses.

Variable Interval (VI) Schedule

Reinforcement after a random time interval if behavior occurs.

Variable Ratio (VR) Schedule

Reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses.

Negative Reinforcement

Strengthening behavior by removing or avoiding an unpleasant consequence.

Positive Reinforcement

Strengthening behavior by delivering a pleasant consequence.

Process/Behavior Goal

A goal focused on actions within one’s control (e.g., study habits).

Outcome Goal

A goal focused on results, often influenced by external factors.

J-curve

A sign of a fixed interval schedule where responses increase as the reinforcement time approaches.

Scalloped Response Pattern

Characteristic of fixed interval schedules, showing low activity followed by rapid increase before reinforcement.

Break and Run Pattern

A response pattern seen in fixed ratio schedules, where there are bursts of activity followed by rest.

SMARTER goals

Goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, with an External manager and planned Reward.

External Managers

Other people who help maintain accountability and ensure actual reinforcement or consequence delivery.

Continuous Reinforcement (CRF) Schedule

Reinforcement is delivered after every single desired response. Often used for initial learning.

Positive Punishment

Weakening behavior by delivering an unpleasant consequence.

Negative Punishment

Weakening behavior by removing a pleasant consequence.

Extinction

The gradual weakening and disappearance of a learned behavior when it is no longer reinforced.

Reinforcement

A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again.

Punishment

A consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again.

Discretionary Effort

Extra voluntary effort given when genuinely motivated by something one wants, rather than just avoiding punishment.

Behavior Trap

A situation where certain behaviors are self-reinforcing and maintained over time.

What is a characteristic outcome when managing by negative reinforcement in organizations?

It tends to result in minimal effort, with work increasing only right before deadlines (J-curve pattern), and typically requires constant supervision.

What is the primary factor determining if a consequence is reinforcement or punishment?

The impact it has on the future likelihood of the behavior (increasing or decreasing it), rather than its intention or perceived "goodness."

How does positive reinforcement impact motivation and performance?

It motivates individuals to exceed minimum expectations, leading to higher engagement, steady improvement, and increased discretionary effort.

What is the relationship between deadlines, J-curve behavior, and procrastination?

Deadlines often enable procrastination by allowing individuals to delay effort until the last moment, resulting in a J-curve pattern of increased activity just before the deadline.

Operant Conditioning

A type of learning where behavior is strengthened or weakened by the consequences that follow it.

Shaping

A method of operant conditioning that involves reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior until the target behavior is achieved.

Primary Reinforcer

A reinforcer that is naturally reinforcing because it satisfies a biological need (e.g., food, water, warmth).

Secondary Reinforcer

A reinforcer that acquires its reinforcing properties through association with a primary reinforcer or another established secondary reinforcer (e.g., money, praise, good grades).

Contingency

The 'if-then' relationship between a behavior and its consequence, meaning the consequence is dependent on the behavior.

Discriminative Stimulus

A stimulus that signals the availability of reinforcement for a particular behavior.

Stimulus Generalization

The tendency for a learned behavior to occur in the presence of stimuli that are similar to the original discriminative stimulus.

Stimulus Discrimination

The ability to respond differently to similar stimuli, performing the behavior only in the presence of the specific discriminative stimulus.

Premack Principle

A principle stating that a more preferred (high-probability) activity can be used to reinforce a less preferred (low-probability) activity.