Chapter 6

Question 1

Positive reinforcement (SR+)

Answer 1

The presentation of a consequence, the effect of which is to increase operant behavior above it’s no-reinforcer baseline level

Question 2

Negative reinforcement - escape (SRe-)

Answer 2

A consequence removal or reduction of a stimulus, the effect of which is to increase operant behavior above it’s no-reinforcer baseline level

Question 3

Negative reinforcement - avoidance (SRa-)

Answer 3

Consequent prevention of a stimulus change, the effect of which is to increase operant behavior above it’s no-reinforcer baseline level

Question 4

Loss aversion

Answer 4

The tendency for loss prevention (SRa-) to influence behavior more than the presentation of the same stimulus (SR+)

Question 5

Intrinsic motivation

Answer 5

The natural drive to engage in a behavior because it fosters a sense of competence

Question 6

Extrinsic reinforcers

Answer 6

Those reinforcers that are not automatically obtained by engaging in the behavior; instead they are artificially arranged

Question 7

Three reasons were provided for distinguishing between positive and negative reinforcement. The first reason, heuristics, was that it is useful to remember there are three ways in which reinforcement can be arranged: ______, _______, and _______.

Answer 7

SR+, SRe-, SRa-

Question 8

The second reason for distinguishing between positive and negative reinforcement is that the value of avoiding a loss (SRa-) appears to be greater than the value of acquiring a gain (SR+). Behavioral economists call this _______ _______.

Answer 8

Loss aversion

Question 9

The third reason for distinguishing between positive and negative reinforcement is that individuals tend to prefer ________ reinforcement contingencies over _______ reinforcement contingencies.

Answer 9

Positive
Negative

Question 10

Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) uses _______ reinforcement to increase workplace performances by an average of 69%.

Answer 10

Positive

Question 11

Positively reinforcing low-probability behaviors, like exercise, does not reduce _______ motivation. Instead, it often allows individuals to contact automatic reinforcers (e.g. I feel and look better now that I have been exercising) that they would not otherwise experience.

Answer 11

Intrinsic

Question 12

If creativity is important, include this dimension of behavior in your IF-THEN reinforcement _______.

Answer 12

Contingency

Question 13

If you want to avoid choking under pressure, the easiest solution is to avoid arranging _______ reinforcers for the skillful behavior.

Answer 13

Large

Question 14

Anytime you arrange a reinforcement contingency, there is a chance that individuals will _______. Monitoring unethical behavior can reduce the chances that it will occur.

Answer 14

Cheat

Question 15

According to the _______ theory of reinforcement, each obtained reinforcer increases the strength of the operant behavior.

Answer 15

Response-strengthening

Question 16

According to the _______ theory of reinforcement, reinforcers do not strengthen behavior; they provide information about where and when reinforcers may be obtained.

Answer 16

Information