Behavioral Psychology: Key Concepts in Learning and Reinforcement

Interim Responses

Akin to instinctive / adjunctive behaviors (schedule-induced behaviors)

Instinctive Drift

Learned behavior reverts back to innate (instinctual) patterns

Negative R-O Contingency

Behavior increases because it prevents/removes something aversive (negative reinforcement)

Law of Effect

Behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are strengthened; unpleasant outcomes weaken behavior

Edward Thorndike vs B. F. Skinner

Thorndike: Discrete trials (trial-and-error learning); Skinner: Free operant (continuous responding)

Thorndike's Measurement

Latency (time to make the correct response)

Successive Approximations

Reinforcing behaviors that are closer and closer to the target behavior

Adventitious Reinforcement

Behavior is strengthened due to accidental pairing with reinforcement (superstitious behavior)