AP Psych 3/10/2025 Punishment

Generalizations and Discrimination

• Generalization: Applying learned behavior across different situations.

  • Example: Raising hands at home and school.

• Discrimination: Learning to perform behavior in specific situations only.

  • Example: Taking attendance in class but not among friends.

Extinction

• Definition: When a behavior is not reinforced, it diminishes over time.

  • Example: If students stop receiving stickers for effort, they may stop studying.

• Operant Conditioning: Behaviors can be reinforced or extinguished based on rewards.

  • Example: Companies use badges or incentives to encourage certain behaviors.

Reinforcement Types

• Continuous Reinforcement: Rewarding behavior every time it occurs. Crucial for new or demanding tasks.

  • Example: Acknowledging correct answers in class.

• Reinforcement Schedules:

  • Fixed Ratio: Reward given after a set number of responses.

    • Example: 1 bonus point for every 5 practice questions answered.

  • Variable Ratio: Reward given at unpredictable times; highly resistant to extinction.

    • Example: Slot machines rewarding at random intervals.

  • Fixed Interval: Reward given after a set period.

    • Example: Teacher’s paycheck every two weeks regardless of performance.

  • Variable Interval: Reward given after unpredictable time intervals; promotes consistent behavior.

    • Example: Pop quizzes encourage punctuality and attendance.

Timing of Rewards and Punishments

• Rewards and punishments should occur shortly after the behavior for maximum effectiveness.

  • Example: Immediate feedback works better than delayed feedback.

• Some large rewards can be delayed (e.g., long-term benefits from education).

Applications of Operant Conditioning

• Used widely in educational and corporate settings.

  • Example: Charts in elementary schools for reward tracking.

  • Example: Companies offering bonuses to boost employee productivity.