Advanced Operant Conditioning Procedures
- Theories of Reinforcement * drive reduction theory: event is reinforcing to the extent that it is associated with reduction in physiological drive * hunger, thirst, homeostatic body temp, etc * we want to engage in behaviors that reduce tension * most theorists no longer believe that drive reduction theory is a comprehensive theory * incentive motivation: derived from property of reinforcer v internal drive state (getting paid, getting a grade, playing a video game for fun) * premack principle * emphasizes observable behavior patterns v hypothetical internal processes * more objective way to determine whether something can be used as a reinforcer * reinforcers viewed as behaviors rather than stimuli * behavior being reinforced * behavior reinforcer * high-probability behavior can be used to reinforce low-prob behavior * first you work, then you play * response deprivation hypothesis: behavior can serve as reinforcer when access to the behavior is restricted and frequency falls below preferred level of occurrence * can’t do X at all until you’ve done Y * behavioral bliss approach: organism w free access to multiple activities will distribute its behavior to maximize overall reinforcement * will never reach behavioral bliss point but will structure life around reaching it
- shaping: gradual creation of new behavior through reinforcement of successive approximations
- positive reinforcement: further distinctions * more immediate reinforcer ➝ stronger its effect on the behavior * primary / unconditioned reinforcer ➝ innately reinforcing (food, water) * secondary / conditioned reinforcer ➝ reinforcing event because associated with other reinforcer (nice clothes, good grades) * generalized / generalized second reinforcer ➝ reinforcing bc associated with several other reinforcers (ex: money)
- intrinsic and extrinsic reinforcement * intrinsic reinforcement - provided by mere act of performing behavior * extrinsic reinforcement - provided by some external consequence * extrinsic rewards usually have little or no effect on intrinsic motivation * rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation when * reward is expected * reward is tangible * reward is given for performing the activity and not for how well its performed
- natural and contrived rewards * natural reinforcers: typically provided for a certain behavior, expected consequence of the behavior within that setting * ex: money for working * contrived / artificial reinforcers: deliberately arranged to modify a behavior. not a typical consequence of the behavior within that setting * natural reinforcers are more efficient
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