theories of reinforcement Flashcards
(8 cards)
LAW OF EFFECT
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.
Drive reduction theory
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)
Response - as reinforcer
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.
What is irrelevant according to Premack?
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
Response- deprivation hypothesis
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 ..
Response deprivation > difference with Premack ?
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!!
Bliss point?
Behavioral bliss point:
Distribution of behavior over different behavior-response options
> in situation without any restrictions!!
what is instrumental contingency ?
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.
