6.12 Understanding Variable Schedules of Reinforcement

These flashcards cover key concepts related to variable schedules of reinforcement as discussed in the lecture notes.

Variable Interval Schedule

A reinforcement schedule where the time between reinforcements varies and is unpredictable.

Operant Chamber

A controlled environment used to study animal behavior, often for reinforcement experiments.

Steady State of Responding

A consistent level of responses generated by a reinforcement schedule.

Variable Ratio Schedule

A reinforcement schedule where the number of responses required for reinforcement varies unpredictably.

Partial Reinforcement Effect

The phenomenon where behaviors reinforced intermittently are more resistant to extinction than those reinforced continuously.

Gambling Contexts

Situations, such as casinos, where variable ratio schedules are commonly used to encourage high rates of behavior.

Conditioned Stimuli

Stimuli that have been paired with an unconditioned stimulus to evoke a conditioned response.

Dopamine Release

A brain response associated with feelings of pleasure and reward, particularly during winning experiences.

Problem Gambling

A behavioral addiction characterized by persistent and harmful gambling behaviors.

Disguised Losses as Wins

A technique used in gaming machines where players perceive they have won despite actually losing money.