Miltenberger (2023) Chapter 4 - Reinforcement: Part 1

Flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and examples of reinforcement from Miltenberger (2023) Chapter 4, Part 1.

What is the shorthand notation for Positive Reinforcement?

SR+

What is the key principle of Thorndike's Law of Effect?

Behavior is a function of its consequences.

Who explained the phenomena observed by Thorndike pertaining to behavior and consequences as a product of operant conditioning?

Skinner

What are the three parts of the definition of operant reinforcement?

The occurrence of a behavior; results in an immediate consequence; that results in the strengthening of the behavior.

How can the 'strengthening' of a behavior be described in the context of operant reinforcement?

An increase in the probability of the behavior, or a synonymous change in its dimension such as frequency, duration, intensity, or latency.

What three questions must be answered 'yes' to determine if a situation is an example of reinforcement?

Did a behavior occur? Was a consequence delivered contingent on the occurrence of that behavior? Was the behavior strengthened?

In operant conditioning, what is reinforced: the organism or the behavior?

The behavior is reinforced, not the organism.

How is reinforcement defined behaviorally?

Functionally; if a consequence does not strengthen behavior, it is not a reinforcer.

What type of behavior is reflexive and glandular, 'elicited' by antecedents?

Respondent behavior

What type of behavior is more complex, learned, 'evoked' or 'emitted', and influenced by consequences?

Operant behavior

What do 'positive' and 'negative' indicate in the context of reinforcement?

'Positive' indicates addition, and 'negative' indicates removal.

What happens to behavior in both positive and negative reinforcement?

Both positive and negative reinforcement strengthen behavior.

In Positive Reinforcement, what is the stimulus that is presented after the behavior called?

A positive reinforcer

In Negative Reinforcement, what is the stimulus that is removed or avoided after the behavior called?

An aversive stimulus

What are the three parts of the definition of Positive Reinforcement (SR+)?

The occurrence of a behavior; is followed by the addition of a stimulus or event or increase in stimulus intensity; which results in the strengthening of the behavior.

What are the three parts of the definition of Negative Reinforcement (SR-)?

The occurrence of a behavior; is followed by the removal of a stimulus or event or decrease in stimulus intensity; which results in the strengthening of the behavior.

In negative reinforcement, what is it called when engaging in a behavior results in the termination of the aversive stimulus?

Escape

In negative reinforcement, what is it called when engaging in a behavior results in the prevention of the aversive stimulus?

Avoidance

What are unconditioned (primary) reinforcers?

Stimuli that function as reinforcers the first time they are presented to most human beings, requiring no prior experience.

Name two examples of unconditioned reinforcers.

Food, water, shelter, oxygen, escape from cold/heat/pain.

What are conditioned (secondary) reinforcers?

A stimulus that was once neutral, but became established as a reinforcer by being paired with an unconditioned reinforcer or an already established conditioned reinforcer.

Name two examples of conditioned reinforcers.

Parents' smile, tone of voice, attention, praise, grades, money (as a general example).

What is a generalized conditioned reinforcer (GCR)?

A conditioned reinforcer that is paired with a wide variety of other reinforcers.

Name two examples of generalized conditioned reinforcers.

Money, praise, tokens.

Is reinforcement a process/procedure or a stimulus?

Reinforcement is a process/procedure.

Is a reinforcer a process/procedure or a stimulus?

A reinforcer is a stimulus or event.

Do unconditioned reinforcers require prior learning for their reinforcing effects?

No, the reinforcing effects of unconditioned reinforcers do not require prior learning.