Ch. 6.7-9 - Types of Reinforcement and Punishment, The Limits of Punishment, Discrimination and Generalization in Operant Conditioning

What is a discriminative stimulus in operant conditioning?

A cue or event indicating that a response, if made, will be reinforced.

How does delayed reinforcement affect learning?

It reduces the strength of the stimulus-response pairing.

What are the effects of corporal punishment?

It interrupts behavior temporarily but is linked to poorer parent-child relationships, poorer mental health, child delinquency, and abusive behaviors as adults.

What factors make punishment more effective?

Severity, initial punishment level, contiguity and being understood, consistency, and showing appropriate alternative behaviors.

What is positive reinforcement?

Adding a stimulus (e.g., candy) to increase behavior (e.g., answering questions).

What is negative reinforcement?

Removing a stimulus (e.g., turning off a light) to increase behavior.

What is positive punishment?

Adding a stimulus (e.g., ridicule) to decrease behavior.

What is negative punishment?

Removing a stimulus (e.g., fun videos) to decrease behavior.