Module 22: Operant Conditioning

Associative learning

learning that two events occur together

Stimulus

any event or situation that evokes a response

Respondent behaviour

behaviour that occurs as an automatic response to stimulus

Operant behaviour

behaviour that operates on the environment, producing a consequence

Law of effect

principle that behaviours followed by favorable consequences are more likely, and vice versa

Operant chamber

chamber containing a bar or key that animal can manipulated to obtain food or water reinforcer

Reinforcement

any event that strengthens the behaviour it follows

Shaping

reinforcers that guide behaviour closer and closer to the desired behaviour

Positive reinforcement

increasing behaviours by presenting pleasurable stimulus

Negative reinforcement

increasing behaviours by stopping an aversize stimulus

Primary reinforcer

innate reinforcer, such as one that satisfies a biological need

Conditioned reinforcer

gains its reinforcing power through association with a primary reinforcer

Reinforcement schedule

pattern that defines how often desired response will be reinforced

Continuous reinforcement

reinforcing desired response every time it occurs

Partial reinforcement schedule

reinforcing response only part of the time; results in slower acquisition but stronger resistance to extinction

Fixed-ratio schedule

reinforces response after specified number of responses

Variable-ratio schedule

reinforces response after unpredictable number of responses

Fixed-interval schedule

reinforces response only after specified time has elapsed

Variable-interval schedule

reinforces response at unpredictable time schedules

Positive punishment

administering a negative stimulus

Negative punishment

removing a rewarding stimulus