In-Depth Notes on Schedules of Reinforcement
Vocabulary
Schedules of Reinforcement are frameworks that dictate the specific conditions for providing a reinforcer based on particular behavioral response requirements. They are essential for grasping learning processes in behavior modification.
Continuous Reinforcement (CRF): A reinforcement schedule where a reinforcer is dispensed every time a desired behavior is demonstrated, especially beneficial during the initial training phase to establish a new behavior. Example: A laboratory rat receives food for every lever press, consistently reinforcing the desired behavior.
Intermittent Reinforcement: Unlike CRF, intermittent schedules provide reinforcement for only a subset of responses, reflecting real-life scenarios where not all behaviors yield immediate rewards. This approach enhances motivation and persistence.
Concepts
Types of Intermittent Schedules
Fixed Ratio (FR): Reinforcement occurs after a set number of responses, resulting in a high frequency of behavior followed by pauses. This is a break-and-run pattern. Example: A rat must press a lever 5 times to obtain food (FR 5).
Variable Ratio (VR): Reinforcement is provided after a varying number of responses, encouraging a high and steady response rate without noticeable pauses. Example: A rat receives food on average after 5 lever presses (VR 5).
Fixed Interval (FI): Reinforcement is given after the first response post a designated time period, typically resulting in a scalloped pattern of responses. Example: A rat receives food after the first lever press post a 2-minute interval (FI 2-min).
Variable Interval (VI): This schedule reinforces the first response after varying durations, leading to moderate, consistent response rates with minimal pauses. Example: Fishing might yield catches at an average of every 10 minutes (VI 10-min).
Characteristics of Reinforcement Schedules:
Response Patterns: Each schedule induces unique behaviors that create analyzable behavioral patterns.
Steady-State Behaviors: These are the stable behavioral patterns that form after prolonged exposure to a specific schedule.
Post-Reinforcement Pauses: Breaks in responding, usually found in fixed ratio and fixed interval schedules, commonly occur after reinforcement.
Applying Schedules of Reinforcement: Effective behavior training necessitates strategic adjustments to response requirements to avert breakdowns, termed Ratio Strain. This involves gradually increasing reinforcement demands to avoid learner frustration. Additionally, Chaining connects simpler reinforcement schedules to form intricate behavioral sequences leading to a terminal reinforcer.
Theories of Reinforcement:
Drive Reduction Theory: Proposes that reinforcement relates to the reduction of physiological needs, though it doesn't sufficiently account for behaviors not driven by physiological reasons.
Premack Principle: States that a high-probability behavior can reinforce a low-probability behavior. Example: Allowing a child to play video games (high probability behavior) can encourage completion of their studying (low probability behavior).
Response Deprivation Hypothesis: This hypothesis posits that any behavior can serve as a reinforcer when access is restricted below a preferred level. Example: A child who enjoys playing outside but is confined indoors sees an opportunity to go outside as a strong motivator for completing their homework.
Behavioral Bliss Point Approach: Suggests that individuals will distribute their behaviors among activities to maximize reinforcement and reach an optimal state. If access to preferred activities is disrupted, individuals will adjust their behavior to maintain a balance that approximates their bliss point, or the ideal allocation of behavior across different activities.