Unit 2 The matching law, operant extinction and differential reinforcement procedures Flashcards
(82 cards)
A compound a schedule that consists of two or more schedules operating simultaneously but independently of each other, each for a different response.
Concurrent schedule
- Two or more reinforcement contingencies
- Contingencies operate independently of each other
- Contingencies in effect simultaneously
- One or more different response topographies for each contingency
Critical attributes of concurrent schedules
Doing one’s homework versus playing a video game
Screening verses asking nicely
Examples of concurrent schedules
Hernstein (1961):
The DISTRIBUTION of behavior on CONCURRENT schedules of positive reinforcement.
-Pigeons “MATCHED” relative rates of behavior to relative rates of reinforcement” Cleary 2004
Deals with Choice. Choice = Concurrent schedules
Response Allocation (Choice) is predicted by this.
This OR That
Matching Law
B1/B1 + B2 = R1/R1+R2
B = rate of responses for each alternative
R = rate of reinforcement for each alternative
Matching law equation
See also picture
Concurrent schedules and matching law examples
See PowerPoint slides for illustrations and video
Relevance of the matching law to treating problem behavior
Even if problem behavior is reinforced, the greater the DIFFERENCE In Proportion of Reinforcement for a problem behavior versus reinforcement for a REPLACEMENT behavior, the greater the difference in____
…RATE between the two.
- Reinforce replacement “Behavior “ On a DENSE schedule and minimize reinforcement for problem behavior
- We Can live with some failures of procedural INTEGRITY when using Extinction
- May not need to use extinction at all, provided that the reinforcement schedule for appropriate behavior is dense enough and takes into account other factors.
- Time-Contingent schedules may be used
Matching law and treatment of problem behavior
There is more research on concurrent interval Schedules than concurrent ratio Schedules.
However, when concurrent ratio schedules are used, the alternative that produces a higher rate of reinforcement is Chosen almost exclusively
**Concurrent Interval verses Concurrent Ratio Schedules*
The applied literature indicates that when problem behavior is maintained on an interval schedule, one should use interval schedules to reinforce appropriate behavior
Eg, Myerson and Hale
However, one my explore using a Dense RATIO schedule to reinforce appropriate behavior, as there is evidence that the problem behavior may decrease to a lower RATE
Vollmer 2012
Matching law, interval versus ratio schedules and treatment••
- Response effort
- Reinforcement delay
- Quality of reinforcement
- Magnitude/duration of reinforcement
- Concurrent PUNISHMENT contingencies
Other factors influencing response allocation.
- Response effort: Select appropriate behavior that is lower in effort than problem behavior
- Reinforcement delay: Provide consequence immediately after the appropriate behavior before gradually introducing delay procedures
- Quality of reinforcement:High quality and magnitude reinforcers
- Magnitude/duration of reinforcement
5: Consider if there are concurrent punishment contingencies
Considerations When applying Factors Influencing Response Allocation
The process by which a previously in forced behavior is weakened by withholding reinforcement
The contingency between the response and consequence is broken. That is, where as the behavior was previously followed by reinforcing environmental change, in this, The reinforcing environmental change does not occur when the response is emitted
In some cases, nothing happens
The (Operant) behavior no longer has any fact on the environment.
The frequency of the behavior decreases in the future it usually too late similar to the baseline level
Operant Extinction. (Definition of Extinction )
“Behavior” that has an EFFECT on the environment.
Operant Behavior
Discontinuation of the contingency is the essential feature
However, the behavior place on extinction has to be able to occur.
Preventing her response topography from occurring is NOT ______
How Extinction works
Another way to break a “contingency” is…
Deliver the maintaining reinforcer independently of the problem behavior by using a…
TIME -contingent schedule
During extinction of behavior that is maintained by positive reinforcement, the reinforcer is withheld. I.e.., Not presented
Extinction procedure for behavior maintain through SR +
Do not react to the problem behavior. Withhold all attention
Do not look at or talk to person while problem behavior is occurring
Extinction procedure for problem behavior maintained by attention
Deny access to preferred materials or activity while person is engaged in problem behavior
Provide no substitute activity while the child is engaged in problem behavior
Do not re-direct to a different preferred activity
Extinction procedure for behavior maintain by access to materials or activities
Sensory blocking
Masking the sensory consequences
Neurotransmitter block or antagonist
A.k.a., SENSORY EXTINCTION
Extinction procedure for behavior it maintained by sensory and neurotransmitter effects
If the scratching one’s arm behavior is maintained through automatic reinforcement, padding the arm might attenuate the sensation produced by scratching. Care must be taken!
Example of Sensory Extinction
Remember, in ______the response topography hast to be able to occur
If the response is prevented it is not extension
Extinction
Continue instruction during occurrences of problem behavior until the task is completed
Maintain the demand for task completion if the person has disengaged from the task
Requires completion of the task before beginning the next scheduled activity
Present tasks using a prompt hierarchy that culminates in guided compliance (includes a positive punishment operation)
“Waiting out” variation
•Instead of prompting compliance, block access to other activities/reinforcers until task completion.
Extinction procedure for behavior maintained by escape/avoidance of Task demands
Continue plan sequence of events without interruption
Extinction procedure for behavior maintained by escape/ avoidance of warning stimuli.