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