05. Sched Reinf, Behav Mod, Shaping Flashcards
Define a primary reinforcer.
-Takes place when the thing that acts as a reinforcer has biological significance, such as food.
-Naturally occurring, they satisfy a basic need.
Define a secondary reinforcer.
-Takes place when the thing that acts as a reinforcer has become associated with something of biological significance, such as money which is associated with being able to buy food.
-Associated with the primary reinforcers.
Define continuous reinforcement.
When the behaviour is reinforced every single time it is completed.
Define partial reinforcement.
When the behaviour is not reinforced after every single time the behaviour is exhibited.
Define fixed-interval schedule.
An exact amount of time passes between each reinforcement.
Eg:
-On 28th day of every month a reward is given for having a clean room regardless of how many times it was cleaned.
-Getting your pay check every 2 weeks.
Define variable-interval schedule.
A varying amount of time passes between each reinforcement.
Eg:
-Reward is given for having a clean room, the day the reward is given is unknown and changes all the time.
Define fixed ratio schedules.
Reinforcement occurs after a fixed number of responses.
Eg:
-Every 5th question the students answers correctly a reward is given.
-Getting one free meal after the purchase of 10.
-Losing your driver’s license after 5 violations.
Define variable ratio schedules.
Reinforcement occurs after a varying number of responses.
Eg:
-Playing the lottery.
-The number of shots to score a goal in a soccer game.
Define shaping.
Shaping is:
-Rewarding more towards the desired behaviour.
-The waiting for an action that is nearer to the desired behaviour.
-Finally, waiting for the actual behaviour before offering reinforcement.
(Shaping uses reinforcement for successive approximations of the desired behaviour. It starts by reinforcing behaviour which is vaguely like a target behaviour then reinforcement only continues each time the behaviour is a step closer to the target behaviour).
Describe behaviour modification, such as token economy programmes.
-Based on operant conditioning principles, behaviour modification can help people change their leaning by using rewards as reinforcers.
-One method of shaping behaviour, based on operant conditioning is the token economy programme.
-Token economy programmes can be used in prisons, mental health units and schools. The aim is to obtain the desired behaviour through a system of rewards.
-Tokens act as reward and can be saved up and used to purchase something that is desired.
-People are ‘paid’ in tokens as a reward to acting in a desired way, these can be exchanged for things like sweets.
-It is a ‘programme’ because there has to be a plan, the people involved have to be clear about what is to be rewarded and by how much each time.
What did Skinner find about the type of reinforcement?
-Variable ratio reinforcement is the type of reinforcement which produces the slowest rate of extinction (people will go on repeating the behaviour for the longest time without reinforcement).
-The type of reinforcement which has the quickest rate of extinction is continuous reinforcement.
What are the steps to implement token economy programmes?
- Identify the behaviour that has to be changed.
- Select the tokens and decide what they can be exchanged for.
- Make sure that the tokens or points can buy significant rewards.
- Set goals that are achievable.
- Explain the whole programme to the individuals concerned.
- Feedback on progress.
- Provide the reward.
- Reviewing the programme.
