Behavioral Psychology: Reinforcement Schedules

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Questions and Answers

What do variable ratio schedules of reinforcement provide?

High and steady rates of the behavior targeted for reinforcement.

What is the purpose of adding a limited hold to interval reinforcement?

To speed up the display of the target behavior.

Which of the following best describes the difference between positive and negative reinforcement?

Both A and B. (correct)

Negative reinforcement involves taking something away to increase behavior.

Positive reinforcement involves giving something to increase a behavior.

Neither A nor B.

What is the goal of differential reinforcement of low rates of behavior?

Increase the amount of time between the display of one behavior to the next. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following increases the value of a reinforcer for an individual?

Both A and B. Signup and view all the answers

What do ratio schedules of reinforcement offer?

Reinforcers after a specific number of responses are displayed. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a concurrent schedule of reinforcement?

When 2 schedules of reinforcement are simultaneously available. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a variable ratio schedule of reinforcement?

To eliminate the predictability of reinforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to prevent ratio strain?

To thin reinforcement gradually. Signup and view all the answers

Fixed ratio schedules are best used for what purpose?

Learning a new behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common result of fixed interval schedules?

An increased rate of responding at the end of the interval. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best reason for thinning reinforcement?

To decrease dependence on the reinforcer in order to demonstrate the behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Why are intermittent reinforcement schedules used?

To maintain previously acquired behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is ratio strain?

The disruption in the display of the behavior when reinforcement is thinned too quickly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of differential reinforcement of high rates of behavior?

To decrease the time from the display of one behavior to the next. Signup and view all the answers

When do variable interval schedules of reinforcement occur?

After an unpredictable amount of time has passed. Signup and view all the answers

When are interval schedules of reinforcement delivered?

After a specified amount of time has elapsed. Signup and view all the answers

Continuous reinforcement schedules are most often used to achieve what?

Establish new behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Matching Law state?

When given a choice between reinforcers, an individual will engage in the behavior that yields the more valuable reinforcer. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Variable Ratio Schedules

Provide high and steady rates of the targeted behavior for reinforcement.

Limited Hold in Interval Reinforcement

A limited hold speeds up the display of the target behavior.

Positive vs Negative Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement involves adding a stimulus to increase behavior, while negative reinforcement involves removing a stimulus to achieve the same effect.

Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates

Aims to increase the duration between occurrences of a behavior.

Value of a Reinforcer

Reinforcer value increases if it is delivered immediately and specifically linked to the target behavior.

Ratio Schedules

Reinforcers are given after a specific number of displayed responses.

Concurrent Schedules

Operate when multiple schedules of reinforcement are available at the same time.

Variable Ratio Purpose

Designed to eliminate predictability in receiving reinforcement.

Prevention of Ratio Strain

Thinning reinforcement should be done gradually to avoid ratio strain.

Fixed Ratio Schedules

Most effective for teaching new behaviors.

Fixed Interval Schedule Effects

Typically lead to a spike in responding towards the end of the specified interval.

Thinning Reinforcement Rationale

Decreases reliance on the reinforcer, helping to solidify behavior.

Intermittent Reinforcement Use

Maintains behaviors that have already been learned.

Definition of Ratio Strain

Occurs when reinforcement is reduced too quickly, disrupting behavior performance.

Differential Reinforcement of High Rates

Aims to shorten the time between instances of a behavior.

Variable Interval Schedules

Reinforcement occurs after an unpredictable amount of time.

Interval Schedules

Reinforcements are provided after a predetermined time period has passed.

Continuous Reinforcement Schedule Usage

Primarily employed to establish new behaviors.

Matching Law

Suggests individuals will choose behaviors linked to more valuable reinforcers when given options.

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Description

This quiz explores various reinforcement schedules in behavioral psychology, including variable ratio schedules and positive versus negative reinforcement. Understand the principles behind limited holds and different reinforcement strategies that impact behavior. Test your knowledge on how these concepts shape learning and behavior modification.