Reinforcement (Chapter 4) - Key Concepts

Quiz-style flashcards covering definitions, types, examples, and schedules of reinforcement, plus key concepts related to operant behavior and reinforcers.

What is reinforcement?

A behavior is strengthened when it is immediately followed by a consequence that increases the likelihood the behavior will occur again in similar circumstances.

What changes in behavior does reinforcement typically produce?

Increases in frequency, duration, intensity, and speed (latency decreases) of the targeted behavior.

Give an everyday example of reinforcement.

A child cries in a grocery store and the parent gives candy, leading to increased crying—demonstrating reinforcement of the crying behavior.

What is operant behavior?

Behavior that is strengthened through reinforcement; it is controlled by its consequences (the behavior’s consequences influence future occurrences).

What is a reinforcer?

The consequence that follows an operant and strengthens that operant behavior.

What does the saying 'reinforce behavior, not people' mean?

Reinforcement targets the specific behavior, not the person; reinforcement is a process applied to behavior, not to people.

What are the two main types of reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement; both strengthen behavior.

What is positive reinforcement?

A behavior is followed by the presentation of a reinforcer, which strengthens the behavior.

What is negative reinforcement?

A behavior is strengthened by the removal of an aversive stimulus.

How do positive and negative reinforcement compare?

Both strengthen behavior; positive reinforcement adds a pleasant stimulus, negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant stimulus.

What are escape and avoidance behaviors?

Negative reinforcement; escape terminates an aversive stimulus and avoidance prevents it, both strengthening the behavior.

Is money an unconditioned reinforcer?

No — money is a conditioned (generalized) reinforcer, learned through association with many primary reinforcers.

What is an unconditioned (primary) reinforcer?

Biologically determined reinforcer with survival value (e.g., food, water, warmth, oxygen, sex, relief from pain or cold).

What is a conditioned reinforcer?

A previously neutral stimulus that gains reinforcing value through pairing with a primary or another established reinforcer.

What is a conditioned generalized reinforcer?

A conditioned reinforcer effective with a wide variety of other reinforcers (e.g., money, praise, tokens).

What factors influence the effectiveness of reinforcement?

Immediacy, consistency (contingency), individual differences, intensity of the reinforcer, and the presence of concurrent reinforcement or punishment.

What is continuous reinforcement?

Every correct response is followed by a reinforcer.

What is intermittent reinforcement?

Only some responses are followed by a reinforcer.

Describe Fixed Ratio (FR) schedules.

A reinforcer is delivered after a fixed number of responses (the number doesn’t change); tends to produce a high rate with a post-reinforcement pause (e.g., $500 after every 10 cars sold).

Describe Variable Ratio (VR) schedules.

A reinforcer is delivered after an average number of responses; produces a high, steady rate of responding with little or no post-reinforcement pause (e.g., slot machines).

Describe Fixed Interval (FI) schedules.

Reinforcement is given for the first response after a fixed amount of time; results in a low to moderate rate with a spike near the end of the interval (e.g., cleaning every 2 hours).

Describe Variable Interval (VI) schedules.

Reinforcement is given for the first response after varying time intervals; produces a low but steady rate of responding.

What are concurrent schedules of reinforcement?

Two or more reinforcement schedules operating at the same time for two or more behaviors; choice is influenced by schedule, magnitude, immediacy, and response effort.

What is the purpose of reinforcement in operant conditioning?

To increase the likelihood that the reinforced behavior will occur again in the future.