BMod Exam 2

Reinforcement

any event that increases the probability that a prior response will be repeated

Positive Reinforcement

procedure used to increase the probability of a response by following it w/ a positive reinforcer

Positive Reinforcer

any stimulus whose presentation increases probability that a response will be repeated

Factors the Influence Effectiveness of Positive RFCT

1. selecting the behavior to be increase - start with a general behavior category, then define specific examples of the desired behavior

2. choosing reinforcers - determine if it is appropriate for the client

3. motivating operations - client needs to be deprived of it for some time in order for rfcr to be most effective

4. immediacy - rfcr should be administered immediately following the desired behavior in order to be most effective

5. Instructions - establish rules that will govern the administration of rfcrs

6. contingent vs. non-contingent rfct - behavior must occur before a rfcr can be presented, then rfcr is contingent upon behavior. if rfcr is presented at time that behavior doesn’t necessarily precede it, it’s non-contingent

7. weaning client from program & change to natural rfcrs - very important and addresses the situation when the rfcrs are no longer being provided

Schedules of Reinforcement

a rule stating which instances of behavior, if any, will be reinforced

Continuous Reinforcement (CRF)

reinforcer received after every correct target response/desired behavior - results in rapid learning

Example of Continuous Reinforcement

giving a treat to a dog every time it sits on command

Intermittent/Partial Reinforcement (PRF)

reinforcing behavior only occasionally rather than every time it occurs, leading to slower learning but increased resistance to extinction.

Example of Intermittent Reinforcement

slot machines rewarding a cash prize after unpredictable number of plays

Ratio Schedules

subject must make a certain number of correct responses in order to be rewarded

Fixed Ratio (FR)

subject is required to make the same number of responses for each reward

Variable Ratio

number of responses required for each reward changes from one reward to the next. there is an average number of responses required in order to be reinforced

Interval Schedules

reward is delivered after a certain amount of time has passed since the last correct reinforced response

Fixed Interval

length of time following each reward is the same - rfcr is delivered for the first target response after a fixed period

Variable Interval

length of time following each reward varies - rfcr is delivered for first target response after a variable amount of time

Interval Schedules with Limited Hold

target response is reinforced only if it occurs after a certain time interval following the previous reinforcement and within an interval

Duration Schedule

the rfct, occurs after the behavior has been engaged in for a continuous period of time

Fixed Duration (FD)

the period that the behavior must be engaged in is constant from rfct, to rfct

Variable Duration (VD)

amount of time the individual must engage in the behavior varies around some average amount of time

Primary Reinforcer

stimuli that is biologically important to the client - no prior learning

Example of Primary Reinforcer

food, water, affection, shelter, sex, sleep

Secondary Reinforcers

stimuli that are reinforcing bc of a previous association with a primary reinforcer

Examples of Secondary Reinforcers

money, praise, tokens, points

Backup Reinforcer

items, activities, privileges that can be obtained with tokens in a token economy system.

Examples of Backup Reinforcers

toys, extra credit, snacks

Token Economy

a program where tokens can be earned for desirable behaviors, and can exchange tokens earned for back-up reinforcers

Token Economy - Other Things To Consider

1. keeping data - who does it, when is it done, where are sheets kept

2. the reinforcing agent - who delivers the reinforcers

3. number/frequency of tokens to pay - provide more tokens at the onset of the program & then gradually wean them

4. managing backup reinforcers - how frequently are they available

5. possible punishment contingencies - tokens may be taken away as a form of punishment

6. supervision of staff

7. handling potential problems

Initial Steps in Setting up a Token Economy

1. deciding on target behaviors

2. taking baselines - obtain baseline data should be obtained before beginning the token economy

3. selecting backup reinforcers - have a good variety of rfcrs for the client, who is responsible for determining what is rfcing for them

4. selecting type of token to use - should be attractive, lightweight, portable

5. identifying available help - dependent upon size of the token economy you are establishing

6. choosing the location

Factors Influencing Effectiveness of Conditioned RFCR

1. the strength of backup rfcr - conditioned rfcr won’t be reinforcing if the client doesn’t find the backup rfcr desirable

2. variety of backup rfcr - many backup rfcr options can mean at least one of them will be strong enough to maintain the conditioned rfcrs

3. schedule of pairing w/ backup rfcrs - conditioned rfct is more effective if backup rfct does not follow each occurrence of the conditioned rfcr

4. extinction of the conditioned rfcrs - to remain effective, it must continue to be associated w/ suitable backup rfcr. ceasing to provide rfct for a conditioned rfcr will lead to termination of the desired behavior