7C- Operant Conditioning

operant conditioning

a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher

law of effect

Thorndike's principle that behaviors followed by favorable consequences become more likely, and that behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences become less likely

Reinforcement

in operant conditioning, any event that strengthens the behavior it follows

shaping

an operant conditioning procedure in which reinforcers guide behavior toward closer and closer approximations of the desired behavior

positive reinforcement

the use of a pleasant stimulus to encourage a desired behavior. (adding a reward)

negative reinforcement

removing an unpleasurable stimulus to encourage a behavior

primary reinforcer

an innately reinforcing stimulus, such as one that satisfies a biological need

secondary reinforcer

a stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer (ex. money)

continous reinforcement schedule

reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs

partial reinforcement schedule

reinforcing a response only part of the time; results in slower acquisition of a response but much greater resistance to extinction than does continuous reinforcement (also called intermittent reinforcement)

fixed-ratio schedule

in operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified number of responses

variable-ratio schedule

in operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses

fixed-interval schedule

in operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed

variable-interval schedule

in operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response after an unpredictable amount of time

positive punishment

adding an undesirable stimulus to decrease a behavior

negative punishment

removing a desirable stimulus to decrease a behavior

Superstitious Behavior

A behavior that is learned and maintained due to a coincidental association with reinforcement, even though it is not actually related to the desired outcome.

Reinforcement Discrimination

The ability to differentiate between similar stimuli and respond to only the one that is reinforced. This concept helps an individual learn when particular behaviors will lead to reinforcement and when they will not. For example, a child learns to ask for a cookie only when the parent is in a good mood.

Reinforcement generalization

The tendency to respond to similar stimuli in the same way, leading to reinforcement in multiple contexts. This occurs when a behavior is reinforced in one situation and subsequently occurs in others that resemble it. For example, a child who learns to say "please" at home may also use it at school, receiving praise in both environments.

Token Economy/Reinforcers

A system where tangible rewards, or tokens, are used to reinforce desired behaviors, which can later be exchanged for other rewards.