Module 1 Lecture 4: Reinforcement and Basic Schedules

Question 1

Reinforcement

Answer 1

When a stimulus event occurs after a behavior, resulting in an increase in future dimensions of similar behavior.

Question 2

Positive Reinforcement (R+)

Answer 2

The addition of a stimulus that increases future dimensions of similar behavior.
- Generally the ideal principle to employ in behavior change procedures; adding stimuli is generally easier than removing it.
- Notation: R+

Question 3

Negative Reinforcement (R-)

Answer 3

The removal of a stimulus event that occurs after a behavior that increases future dimensions of similar behavior.
- Notation: R-

Question 4

Social Reinforcement (SR)

Answer 4

Reinforcement presented by another individual. May be positive (SR+) or negative (SR-)

Question 5

Automatic Reinforcement (AR)

Answer 5

Occurs independent of the social mediation of others. Can be positive (AR+) or negative (AR-)

Question 6

Unconditioned (Primary) Reinforcer

Answer 6

Products of evolution; naturally occurring. E.g. food, water, sleep, sex, reduction of pain.

Question 7

Conditioned (Secondary) Reinforcer

Answer 7

A previously neutral stimulus that functions as a reinforcer because of prior pairing with other reinforcers.

Question 8

Generalized Conditioned Reinforcer

Answer 8

A stimulus change that as a result of pairing with conditioned and unconditional reinforcers, functions as a reinforcer in a wide range of situations.
E.g. money (associated with many different primary reinforcers).

Question 9

Continuous Reinforcement (CRF)

Answer 9

Each occurrence of the behavior is reinforced.
- Used to strengthen a behavioral response, a steady and reliable way to increase behavior.
- Used early in behavior change procedures to establish new skills, and to stabilize difficult to predict behavior.

Question 10

Intermittent Reinforcement (INT)

Answer 10

Not all occurrences of behaviors are reinforced.
- Used to increase persistence; the likelihood a behavior will continue without immediate reinforcement.

Question 11

Fixed Ratio (FR)

Answer 11

A set number of responses is required for reinforcement to occur.
- Produces punctuated high rates of responding.
- Creates a “stair stepping” pattern when graphed, do to the individual taking post reinforcement pauses before returning to exerting responses.

Question 12

Variable Ratio (VR)

Answer 12

A behavior is reinforced following an average number of responses.
- Produces persistent and high rates of responding.
- Persistent: Post-reinforcement pauses are short and the behavior is resistant to extinction.

Question 13

Fixed Interval (FI)

Answer 13

Behavior is reinforced following a behavior after a set period of time has passed.
- Produces long pauses after a reinforcers
- Usually produces patterns of high rates of responding near the end of each interval, often referred to as “scalloping”.

Question 14

Variable Interval (VI)

Answer 14

A behavior is reinforced following a response after an average period of time has passed.
- Produces low but consistent/steady occurrences of behavior.
- Used to produce persistent behavior around specific times; helpful in teaching on-task behavior for students or employees.