Module 21 Flashcards
What is an operant chamber?
In operant conditioning research, its a chamber with a key and lock, with some way for an animal to manipulate something for food/water.
Alternative name for an operant chamber?
Skinner Box
What is positive reinforcement?
Adding a desirable stimulus, a reward
What is negative reinforcement?
Reducing/removing something, or adding an aversive stimulus
What is a primary reinforcer?
An innately reinforcing stimulus, such as something that satisfies a biological need. They are unlearned and natural
What is a conditioned reinforcer?
A reinforcer that is associated with a primary reinforcer, such as good grades, money, etc. Also known as secondary reinforcers
What are delayed reinforcers?
A reinforcer that comes at a delay, such as a paycheck at the end of a week. Typically less effective. Only humans can really respond to these, as animals like rats tend to forget the association after about 30 seconds
What are immediate reinforcers?
Immediate feedback
What is a reinforcement schedule?
The pattern that defines how often a desired response will be reinforced
What is a continuous reinforcement?
Reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs
What are partial (intermittent) reinforcement schedules
Reinforcing a response only part of the time, such as a salesman only making 1 sale out of 20 pitches.
What are fixed ratio schedules?
Reinforcing behavior after a set number of responses
What are variable-ratio schedules?
Reinforcers after a seemingly unpredictable number of responses
What are fixed interval schedules?
Reinforce the first response after a fixed time period
What are variable interval schedules?
Reinforce the first response after a varying time period
