Psych of learning Flashcard Set

## Overview

This lecture focused on reinforcement schedules in behavior analysis, especially as they relate to performance management, negative vs. positive reinforcement, and effective goal setting.

## Schedules of Reinforcement

- The "J-curve" is a sign of a fixed interval (FI) schedule where responses increase as the reinforcement time approaches.

- Fixed interval schedules produce a scalloped response pattern: low activity followed by rapid increase before reinforcement.

- Fixed ratio (FR) schedules require a certain number of responses for reinforcement, leading to a "break and run" pattern (rest, then rapid response bursts).

- Variable ratio (VR) schedules result in fast, steady responding because reinforcement is unpredictable but response-dependent.

- Variable interval (VI) schedules lead to slow, steady responding since reinforcement is time-based and unpredictable, not response-dependent.

- Ratio schedules: faster work leads to faster reinforcement; interval schedules: rate of work doesn't affect reinforcement timing.

## Negative vs. Positive Reinforcement

- Negative reinforcement is indicated by: J-curve patterns, negative talk (burnout, complaints), performance plateauing at goal, lack of planned positive reinforcement, and performance dropping if requirement is removed.

- Positive reinforcement increases behavior at an accelerating rate and is necessary for sustained, motivated performance.

## Goal Setting and Reinforcement

- Goals often act as antecedents for negative reinforcement if not paired with planned positive reinforcement.

- Outcome goals (e.g., getting an A) are less effective than behavior/process goals (e.g., studying a set amount of time).

- Effective goals should be "SMARTER": Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, with an External manager and a planned Reward.

- External managers (other people) help maintain accountability and ensure actual reinforcement or consequence delivery.

- Rewards should be immediate, meaningful, and process-based rather than one-time or outcome-based.

## Practical Examples and Applications

- Students shared real-life examples of reinforcement schedules (e.g., cleaning before the manager arrives = FI; paycheck = FR/VI).

- Reinforcement patterns discovered by Skinner are still used to analyze and influence behavior today.

- Understanding reinforcement schedules allows better control and prediction of behavior.

## Key Terms & Definitions

- Fixed Interval (FI) Schedule — Reinforcement given after a set period of time if the behavior is performed.

- Fixed Ratio (FR) Schedule — Reinforcement after a set number of responses.

- Variable Interval (VI) Schedule — Reinforcement after a random time interval if behavior occurs.

- Variable Ratio (VR) Schedule — Reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses.

- Negative Reinforcement — Strengthening behavior by removing or avoiding an unpleasant consequence.

- Positive Reinforcement — Strengthening behavior by delivering a pleasant consequence.

- Process/Behavior Goal — A goal focused on actions within one’s control (e.g., study habits).

- Outcome Goal — A goal focused on results, often influenced by external factors.

## Action Items / Next Steps

- Complete your worksheet, including providing real-life examples of different reinforcement schedules.

- Review Chapter 7-7 for reinforcement schedule graphs and details.

- Reflect on current personal goals: identify if they are process-oriented and have external reinforcement planned.