Schedules of Reinforcement

Flashcards on Schedules of Reinforcement and Basic Processes

Schedules of Reinforcement

Experimental procedures that specify how an operant response is going to be reinforced.

Continuous Reinforcement Schedule

A schedule that reinforces every response that occurs.

Intermittent Reinforcement Schedule

A schedule where reinforcement is not continuous, but follows a specific rule.

Fixed-Ratio Schedule

A schedule where a reinforcer is given after a fixed number of non-reinforced responses.

Variable-Ratio Schedule

A schedule where a reinforcer is given after a variable number of non-reinforced responses.

Fixed-Interval Schedule

A schedule that reinforces the first response after a fixed period of time has passed.

Variable-Interval Schedule

A schedule that reinforces the first response after a variable period of time has passed.

Acquisition

The initial stage of learning a new pattern of responding.

Shaping

Teaching a behavior by reinforcing successive approximations towards the desired response.

Extinction

When an operant response is no longer followed by a reinforcer, leading to a weakening and eventual disappearance of the response.

Resistance to Extinction

The continued making of responses even after reinforcement has stopped.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of an extinguished response after a period of time has passed.

Generalization

Responses being made in the presence of stimuli that are similar to the original discriminative stimulus.

Discrimination

Responding only to stimuli that are similar to the original discriminative stimulus used in conditioning.

Delayed Reinforcement

A positive outcome is more likely to strengthen a response if it comes immediately after the response

Conditioned Reinforcement

After repeated pairings with a primary reinforcer, a secondary reinforcer can also begin to act as a reinforcer.

Primary Reinforcer

A reinforcer that satisfies biological needs, such as food or water.

Secondary Reinforcer

Reinforcers that depend on learning, such as money or tokens.