Operant Conditioning and Positive Reinforcement Notes

Operant Conditioning

  • Definition: Modification of emitted or voluntary responses through rewards, punishments, and their consequences.
  • Key Concepts:
    • Reinforcement: Increases the probability that a behavior will occur again.
    • Punishment: Decreases the probability that a behavior will occur again.
  • Preferred Approach: Generally, reinforcement is favored in Behavior Modification (B. Mod.) programs.

Reinforcement

  • Positive Reinforcement:
    • Definition: Procedure that increases the likelihood of a response by following it with a positive reinforcer.
    • Positive Reinforcer: Any stimulus whose presentation increases the likelihood that a response is repeated.

Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Positive Reinforcement

  1. Selecting the Behavior:

    • Start with a general behavior category and define specific behaviors (e.g., "being friendly" and "smiling").
    • Specific behavior definitions enhance reliability and consistency of reinforcement.
  2. Choosing the Reinforcers:

    • Determine if the proposed reinforcer is suitable for the client.
    • Reinforcement effectiveness is dependent on appropriateness for the individual.
  3. Categories of Reinforcers:

    • a. Consumable: Food or beverages
    • b. Activity: Leisure activities (e.g., watching TV)
    • c. Manipulative: Engage with toys or other items
    • d. Possessional: Ownership of an item
    • e. Social: Affection, praise, etc.
  4. Motivating Operations:

    • Deprivation: Period without a reinforcer increases its value.
    • Satiation: Overexposure to a reinforcer results in decreased effectiveness.
  5. Immediacy of Reinforcement:

    • The reinforcer should follow the behavior immediately (ideally within 30 seconds) to be effective.
  6. Use of Rules:

    • Establish rules governing when reinforcers are administered to provide structure.
  7. Contingent vs. Non-Contingent Reinforcement:

    • Contingent Reinforcement: The reinforcer is presented only after the desired behavior.
    • Non-Contingent Reinforcement: The reinforcer is given regardless of behavior.
  8. Weaning from the Program:

    • Transition to natural reinforcers that occur in everyday life over time to maintain behavior change when formal reinforcement is withdrawn.

Examples of Positive Reinforcement Following Undesirable Behavior

  • Situation 1: A husband can't find his shirt.

    • Response: He yells for it.
    • Immediate Consequence: His wife finds the shirt for him.
    • Long-term Effect: He is likely to yell more in the future when looking for something.
  • Situation 2: A child whines in a store.

    • Response: The child demands to leave.
    • Immediate Consequence: The mother leaves the store, embarrassed.
    • Long-term Effect: The child is more likely to whine in the future to get what they want.
  • Situation 3: A child fiddles with a TV.

    • Response: Mom suggests going for a walk.
    • Immediate Consequence: Mom gives attention and engagement, leading to an outing.
    • Long-term Effect: Increases likelihood of fiddling with the TV for attention.
  • Situation 4: A resident in a group home signs for milk.

    • Response: Holds up a glass and grunts.
    • Immediate Consequence: Staff responds by filling the glass.
    • Long-term Effect: She is likely to use the same behavior to get attention and milk again.
  • Situation 5: A husband reacts to jealousy at a party.

    • Response: He leaves the party.
    • Immediate Consequence: His wife follows him and showers him with attention.
    • Long-term Effect: He is more likely to leave parties under similar conditions in the future.
  • Situation 6: Dad watches a game while kids misbehave.

    • Response: He pays them to leave the room.
    • Immediate Consequence: Kids leave at his request.
    • Long-term Effect: They are more likely to act noisily to gain payments in similar situations.