Week 5 Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is a schedule of reinforcement?
A rule that specifies the probability that an occurrence of behavior will produce reinforcement.
What are the two main types of reinforcement schedules?
Continuous Reinforcement (CRF) and Intermittent Reinforcement (INT).
What is Continuous Reinforcement (CRF)?
When a behavior is reinforced every time it occurs.
When is CRF most commonly used?
During the early stages of behavior change to strengthen new behaviors.
What is Intermittent Reinforcement (INT)?
A schedule where reinforcement is given only some of the time, rather than after every response.
What are the benefits of Intermittent Reinforcement?
Helps maintain behavior, increases resistance to extinction, elicits high response rates, progresses to naturally occurring reinforcement, controls for satiation, and is cost-effective.
What are the four basic types of schedules described by Ferster and Skinner?
Fixed Ratio (FR), Variable Ratio (VR), Fixed Interval (FI), and Variable Interval (VI).
What does “Ratio” refer to in reinforcement schedules?
The number of responses required for reinforcement.
What does “Interval” refer to in reinforcement schedules?
The amount of time that must pass before reinforcement is available.
What is a Fixed Ratio (FR) schedule?
A schedule where reinforcement is provided after a constant number of responses (e.g., FR5 = reinforcement after every 5 responses).
What response pattern is seen in Fixed Ratio schedules?
A high rate of responding with a brief post-reinforcement pause.
What is a Variable Ratio (VR) schedule?
A schedule where reinforcement is provided after a variable number of responses, around an average (e.g., VR5 = reinforcement on average every 5 responses).
Why do Variable Ratio schedules produce high response rates?
Because reinforcement is unpredictable, encouraging continuous responding (e.g., gambling, video games).
What is a Fixed Interval (FI) schedule?
A schedule where reinforcement is given for the first response after a set period of time (e.g., FI 20s = reinforcement for the first response after 20 seconds).
What response pattern is seen in Fixed Interval schedules?
A “scalloped” pattern where responses increase toward the end of the interval.
What is a Variable Interval (VI) schedule?
A schedule where reinforcement is given for the first response after a variable amount of time (e.g., VI 20s = reinforcement after an average of 20 seconds).
How does a Variable Interval schedule affect behavior?
Produces a steady, moderate rate of responding since reinforcement is unpredictable.
Why are reinforcement schedules important in behavior change programs?
They determine how frequently a behavior occurs and how resistant it is to extinction.
Why are Fixed and Variable Ratio schedules often used in behavior change?
Because they produce high rates of responding and can be used to increase desired behaviors.
What should be considered before removing reinforcement schedules?
Maintenance should be programmed and monitored to ensure the behavior continues.
