BDS Modules (Part B) Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the definition of behavior often include?

Measurable and detectable behavior

What may stimulus events be described by?

Where they occur temporally relative to the target behavior

Who can exhibit behavior?

Living single-celled and complex organisms

Overt behavior is not measurable.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the definition of overt behavior include?

Movement of some part of the organism, a measurable change in the environment, displacement in space through time Signup and view all the answers

From a behavior-analytic perspective, what does the environment consist of?

Stimulus conditions or events Signup and view all the answers

What does behavior involve?

The movement of muscles and glands Signup and view all the answers

What effect does lifting one's finger have?

Affects the environment Signup and view all the answers

How can most behavior be classified?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is generally a response?

A single instance of a behavior Signup and view all the answers

Stimuli always influence behavior.

False Signup and view all the answers

What forms a response class?

Behaviors that may differ in topography but are collectively strengthened or weakened by the same consequence Signup and view all the answers

What is a set of behaviors that are strengthened or weakened by the same consequence called?

A response class Signup and view all the answers

Select the most objective description of an event:

The forest sounds were too loud for one to speak at a conversational level Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following may be a stimulus? (Select all that apply)

A movement performed by the organism itself Signup and view all the answers

All stimuli in a class exert control over behavior due to a single common feature.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental aspect of respondent behavior?

It is under the control of an antecedent Signup and view all the answers

What is a reflex?

Response and its associated controlling stimulus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is synonymous with respondent conditioning?

Pavlovian conditioning Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a conditioned stimulus?

A previously neutral stimulus that elicits a behavior by being correlated with an unconditioned stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What must occur for reinforcement to be effective?

A behavior must produce a consequence Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about operant behaviors?

They are defined functionally by their effects on behavior Signup and view all the answers

What does escape do?

Increases the future probability of the behavior that precedes it? Signup and view all the answers

In operant conditioning, what is stimulus control a function of?

Antecedent and consequence events Signup and view all the answers

Who exhibits operant relations?

Represented as S-R-S Signup and view all the answers

What is the positive reinforcement exemplified by?

Teasing increases after the teacher begins reprimanding a student for each occurrence of this behavior Signup and view all the answers

What may serve as negative reinforcement?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is contrived reinforcement?

Delivered as part of a plan to change behavior Signup and view all the answers

What does naturally occurring reinforcement refer to?

Not delivered as part of a plan to change behavior Signup and view all the answers

What does the quality of a reinforcer refer to?

The level of individual preference for the reinforcer Signup and view all the answers

A benefit of using a generalized reinforcer is: (Select all that apply)

Minimally affected by satiation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definitions of Behavior

Behavior definitions often prioritize measurable and detectable actions.
Covert behavior, such as emotional states, is frequently excluded from definitions.

Stimulus Events

Descriptions of stimulus events focus on their temporal occurrence relative to target behavior.

Behavior Exhibited

Behavior can be exhibited by various organisms, from single-celled to complex multicellular entities.

Overt Behavior

Overt behavior is characterized by measurability and is observable.

Defining Overt Behavior

Key features include:
- Movement of some part of the organism.
- A measurable change in the environment.
- Displacement occurring in space over time.

Environment in Behavior Analysis

In behavior analysis, the environment consists of stimulus conditions or events impacting behavior.

Movement of Muscles and Glands

Behavior is fundamentally linked to the activity of muscles and glands.

Behavioral Impact

Actions like lifting a finger affect the surrounding environment.

Classification of Behavior

Most behavior can be classified as:
- Overt vs. covert.
- Operant vs. respondent.
- By response class.

Response Definition

A response is considered a single instance of behavior.

Role of Stimuli

Stimuli influence receptor systems within organisms but do not necessarily affect behavior directly.

Response Class Features

Behaviors differing in topography may be strengthened or weakened by the same consequence, forming a response class.

Objective Event Descriptions

Objectively describing an event focuses on observable facts, e.g., environmental noise levels affecting communication.

Stimulus Examples

Movements performed by the organism, responses from others, and gradual temperature changes can serve as stimuli.

Control by Stimulus Class

A group of stimuli can exert behavioral control due to shared common features.

Examples of Stimulus Classes

Members may include:
- Stop signs and traffic control signals.
- Items of the same color or category, like blue objects.

Objective Event Accounts

An accurate description highlights quantifiable metrics, such as the number of children in a classroom.

Definition of a Response Class

A response class is defined by a group of behaviors that are affected by a common consequence.

Reflex Understanding

A reflex consists of a response and its associated controlling stimulus.

Respondent Behavior Characteristics

Respondent behavior is controlled by antecedent stimuli and cannot be easily shaped.

Unconditioned Stimulus Responses

An unconditioned stimulus elicits an unconditioned response without prior conditioning.

Pavlovian Conditioning

Respondent conditioning is synonymous with Pavlovian conditioning.

Requirements for Respondent Conditioning

Involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit responses.

Examples of Respondent Behavior

Automatic reactions, such as blushing, exemplify respondent behavior.

Respondent Relationships

Respondent relationships are framed as S-R (stimulus-response) dynamics.

Conditioned Stimulus Understanding

A previously neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus by being associated with an unconditioned stimulus.

Examples of Unconditioned Stimuli

Examples include sounds, bright lights, and other stimuli that provoke direct responses.

Operant Behavior Definition

Operant behaviors are defined by their functional effects on the environment.

Operant Conditioning Dynamics

Reinforcement is identified by the relationship between behavior and its consequences.

Escape Responses

Escape behavior increases the likelihood of the preceding action in negative reinforcement contexts.

Stimulus Control in Operant Conditioning

Control is established through antecedents and consequences influencing behavior.

Operant Relations Structure

Represented as S-R-S (stimulus-response-stimulus) interactions.

Conditions for Reinforcement

Reinforcement occurs when behavior effectively produces a favorable consequence, leading to increased future occurrences.

Transitioning Behavior from Respondent to Operant

An unconditioned response may evolve into an operant through conditioning processes.

Positive Reinforcement Effects

Teacher reprimands generating increased teasing behavior illustrate positive reinforcement dynamics.

Negative Reinforcement Example

Temporary relief from pain serves as a negative reinforcer, promoting specific behaviors.

Operant Selection Explained

Responses yielding reinforcing consequences become entrenched in an individual's behavior repertoire.

Child and Reinforcement Dynamics

When a child’s request for a snack results in fulfillment, the behavior exemplifies positive reinforcement.

Maintaining Establishing Operations

Generalized reinforcers can maintain potency due to their wide applicability and resistance to satiation.

The Quality of Reinforcers

Refers to individual preferences impacting the effectiveness of the reinforcer.

Generalized Reinforcers Benefits

Generalized reinforcers are resistant to satiation and provide broad applicability across behaviors.

Premack Principle Understanding

Higher probability behaviors can be utilized to reinforce lower probability behaviors effectively.

Restriction and Access in Behavior

Limiting access to preferred activities may result in increased engagement in less preferred tasks.

Introduction of Descriptive Praise

Functions as a positive reinforcer and guides future behavior, emphasizing specific behaviors.

Satiation Influence

A reinforcer's effectiveness can diminish due to excessive exposure or frequency of delivery.

Choice in Academic Settings

Providing choice among tasks correlates to reduced disruptive behaviors and increased compliance.

Rule Following Behaviors

Defined by frequency changes, substantial responses following reinforcement, and occurrence without immediate consequences.

Control Shift from Contrived Reinforcers

Transitioning to naturally occurring reinforcers involves teaching behaviors that yield natural consequences.

Techniques for Delayed Reinforcement

Bridging activities or verbal reassurances can facilitate learning delayed reinforcement responses.

Naturally Occurring Reinforcement

Engagement in behavior without contrived intervention leads to authentic reinforcement.

Functional Relationships in Respondent Conditioning

Respondent contingencies define connections among stimuli and are essential for learning processes.

Contingency Relationships in Behavior

Dependent relationships in response classes define how stimuli influence behaviors collectively.

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Test your knowledge of behavior definitions and concepts with these flashcards designed for BDS Modules (Part B). This quiz covers various aspects of behaviors, including their measurement and the context in which they occur. Perfect for dental students looking to enhance their understanding in a practical format.