theories of reinforcement

Question 1

LAW OF EFFECT

Answer 1

Thorndike
partly HOW it works

Attempts to answer how a reinforcer works:
Positive O > strengthens S-R relationship.
Which leads to higher probability or R when S is presented.

Question 2

Drive reduction theory

Answer 2

HULL
answers What

Accepts Thorndike’s S-R strengthening theory.

Focuses on what makes a reinforcer: it is how effective it is in reducing a situation with a certain need.

Central focus: HOMEOSTASE (keeping it within certain measures)

Question 3

Response - as reinforcer

Answer 3

PREMACK
WHAT

Premack: behavior of eating food= reinforcer or “reinforced response” = ACTION

The action/behavior that has a higher baseline probability > can function as a reinforcer for the activity with lesser probability.

Question 4

What is irrelevant according to Premack?

Answer 4

Defining primary and secondary stimuli
Difference between reduction of need and sensory reinforcement

because…

a contingency between low probability and high probability activity - is only thing needed

Question 5

Response- deprivation hypothesis

Answer 5

Timberlake & Allison
WHAT

Critical difference between high probability and low probability:

free availability of instrumental response - but limitation on reinforcing response!!

limitation on food for example
free lever pressing

= going against law of effect > because food is freely available then ..

Question 6

Response deprivation > difference with Premack ?

Answer 6

Response deprivation theory - does not require calculation of response probability! <>Premack

even LOW probability response can serve as reinforcer if it is restricted below its (lower) baseline!!

Question 7

Bliss point?

Answer 7

Behavioral bliss point:
Distribution of behavior over different behavior-response options

> in situation without any restrictions!!

Question 8

what is instrumental contingency ?

Answer 8

Instrumental contingencies lay restrictions on “availability” different response-deprivation

instrumental contingencies make choice of different response - alternatives dependent on each other!

Creates “ changes to behavioral bliss point’ and will create a adjustment process focussed on return to ideal situations.