Psychology of Learning – Exam 3 Study Sheet Flashcards

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering Schedules of Reinforcement, Extinction, Stimulus Control, Avoidance, Punishment, and OCD treatment based on the Exam 3 study sheet.

Schedule of Reinforcement

Response requirement that must be met for reinforcement.

Fixed Ratio (FR)

Reinforcement after a predictable number of responses; produces high response rates and post-reinforcement pauses that increase as the ratio increases.

Variable Ratio (VR)

Reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses; produces very high, steady responding (e.g., golf putting, gambling).

Fixed Interval (FI)

First response after a fixed amount of time is reinforced; produces a “scalloped” pattern (e.g., checking the clock before 6 p.m.).

Differential Reinforcement of High Rates (DRH)

Reinforcement contingent on a minimum number of responses within a set time.

Superstitious Behavior

Develops when reinforcement accidentally follows a behavior, increasing the occurrence of that behavior.

Premack Principle

High-probability behaviors reinforce low-probability behaviors, summarized as “Do homework, then watch TV.”

Bliss Point (Behavioral Allocation View)

The concept that organisms behave in ways that maximize gain and minimize cost.

Extinction

The nonreinforcement of a previously reinforced behavior, resulting in decreased responding.

Extinction Burst

A temporary increase in the frequency or intensity of a behavior when extinction first begins.

Resistance to Extinction

How long a behavior persists after extinction begins; it is most influenced by the schedule of reinforcement.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of an extinguished response after a rest period.

Functional Communication Training (FCT)

A technique that teaches socially appropriate communication instead of problem behavior.

Stimulus Generalization

Responding similarly to stimuli that resemble the original $S^D$.

Generalization Gradient

A graph showing the degree of responding to similar stimuli.

Steep Gradient

Indicates good discrimination on a generalization gradient graph.

Peak Shift Effect

A phenomenon where peak responding shifts away from the $S^\Delta$ and beyond the original $S^D$.

Positive Contrast Effect

An increase in responding in one condition when reinforcement improves in another condition.

Negative Contrast Effect

A decrease in responding in one condition when reinforcement worsens in another condition.

Anticipatory Contrast

A change in responding based on the expectation of future reinforcement.

Errorless Discrimination Training

A method that minimizes errors during the process of discrimination learning.

Escape Behavior

Behavior that terminates an aversive event after it has already occurred.

Active Avoidance

Behavior that prevents an aversive event from occurring by making a specific response.

Passive Avoidance

Behavior that prevents an aversive event by withholding a response.

Mowrer’s Two-Process Theory

Theory stating that (1) classical conditioning creates fear and (2) operant response removes the fear stimulus.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

An effective treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Punishment

A procedure that temporarily suppresses behavior.

Response Cost

A type of negative punishment involving the loss of a valued item, such as a fine.

Primary Punisher

A stimulus that is innately punishing.

Secondary Punisher

A stimulus that becomes punishing through association with other punishers.

Intrinsic Punishment

Punishment that is a natural consequence of the behavior itself.

Extrinsic Punishment

Punishment that is a consequence imposed by another person.

$S^D$ (Discriminative Stimulus)

A stimulus that signals that a response will be reinforced.

$S^\Delta$ (S-delta)

A stimulus signaling that no reinforcement will be provided.