behaviourist approaches- types of reinforcement

Question 1

what are the 6 AO1 points you must know for types of reinforcement?

Answer 1

-Definition of reinforcement
-Positive reinforcement
-Negative reinforcement
-Key study: Skinner’s research on reinforcement
-Focus on observable behaviour and environment
-Real-life application of reinforcement

Question 2

What is reinforcement in the behaviourist approach?

Answer 2

A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behaviour being repeated, either by adding something pleasant (positive) or removing something unpleasant (negative).

Question 3

What is positive reinforcement?

Answer 3

Adding a pleasant stimulus after a behaviour to encourage repetition. Example: giving praise or a reward.

Question 4

What is negative reinforcement?

Answer 4

Removing an unpleasant stimulus after a behaviour to increase its repetition. Example: taking painkillers to remove pain.

Question 5

How did Skinner show reinforcement?

Answer 5

In Skinner boxes, rats learned to press levers for food (positive reinforcement) or to stop shocks (negative reinforcement).

Question 6

How does reinforcement fit with behaviourist assumptions?

Answer 6

Behaviour is learned from the environment through conditioning. Reinforcement is how consequences shape behaviour.

Question 7

How is reinforcement used in real life?

Answer 7

In token economies (e.g., schools, prisons), desired behaviours are reinforced with rewards or privileges.