Reinforcement Schedules

Reinforcement Schedules

timetables that determine when a response will be reinforcement

continuous reinforcement

reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs.

Partial Reinforcement

reinforcing a response only part of the time. The acquisition process is slower. Greater resistance to extinction.

Fixed-ratio schedule

reinforcement depends on a specified quantity of responses. People tend to work hard on these schedules taking brief pauses after getting the rewards. Ex. the dolphin gets a fish every 5th trick is completed.

Variable-ratio schedule

the number of responses needed for reinforcement changes. Very high rate of performance, resistant to extinction, can create addict-like behavior. ex. slot machines

fixed-interval schedule

a subject is rewarded for a response after a certain fixed period of time (no matter how much work is completed). More work is done as time for reinforcement draws near. ex. salaried positions, fun food fridays, Christmas every year.

Variable-interval schedule

the time that must elapse before a response is awarded varies. ex. pop quizzes, how long it takes for BFF to text you back.

Shaping

term from behavioral psychology; coined by Skinner. A procedure in operant conditioning in which reinforcement is used to sculpt new responses out of old ones through successive approximates.

Premack Principle

a behavior that is likely to happen is used as a reinforcer for something isn’t as likely to happen. ex. you can watch tv (something likely to happen) after you clean your room (something less likely to happen).

Supersitions

This type of behavior occurs when consequences reinforce unrelated behaviors.