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to natural reinforcers that occur in everyday life over time to maintain behavior change when formal reinforcement is withdrawn.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