Operant Conditioning and Reinforcement

These flashcards cover key concepts of operant conditioning, reinforcement schedules, and behavior modification.

What is the main difference between positive and negative reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement involves adding a pleasant stimulus to increase a behavior, while negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behavior.

What happens in positive punishment?

Something unpleasant is added to decrease a behavior.

What is a classic example of behavior maintained on a variable ratio schedule?

Gambling, such as playing slot machines, where rewards come after an unpredictable number of responses.

What are the components of operant conditioning often referred to as?

The A-B-C model: A is Antecedent, B is Behavior, and C is Consequence.

What does a fixed ratio reinforcement schedule entail?

Reinforcement occurs after a set number of responses.

In a variable interval reinforcement schedule, how does reinforcement work?

Reinforcement is provided after an unpredictable amount of time.

What is shaping in operant conditioning?

Shaping is reinforcing successive approximations toward a target behavior.

What are the two types of reinforcement schedules?

Continuous reinforcement, which reinforces every correct behavior, and partial (intermittent) reinforcement, which only reinforces some responses.

What is one major advantage of continuous reinforcement?

It is best for teaching new behaviors quickly because reinforcement is consistent.

What does extinction mean in the context of operant conditioning?

Extinction occurs when a behavior decreases because the reinforcer is no longer provided.

What is the difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning?

Classical conditioning involves learning associations between stimuli, while operant conditioning involves learning through consequences of voluntary behavior.

Which behaviorist developed the principles of operant conditioning?

B.F. Skinner.

What is applied behavior analysis (ABA)?

ABA is the application of behavioral principles to improve socially significant behaviors, commonly used in education and behavior modification.

What does higher-order conditioning refer to?

It occurs when a conditioned stimulus is paired with a new neutral stimulus to create a new conditioned response.

What is the response when a child raises their hand and the teacher responds consistently?

This is an example of reinforcement leading to increased behavior (the child continues raising their hand).