Learning and Behavior Exam 3

Questions and Answers

What is the Premack Principle?

The principle that says instead of looking at how a reinforcer satisfies a certain need, we look at the probability that a response will occur.

How could you use the Premack Principle to increase a low-probability behavior of your own?

I would complete an hour of studying in order to have an hour of watching Netflix.

Compare escape and avoidance behavior.

Escape behavior is a behavior that terminates the aversive stimulus, while avoidance behavior prevents the aversive stimulus from occurring.

Provide an example of escape behavior from your life.

When I am in a crowded and loud place like a party, I find somewhere less crowded to get away. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of avoidance behavior from your life.

I avoid situations that would cause me stress or anxiety, like speaking in front of large groups. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a view of compulsive behavior as avoidant.

Compulsive behavior is an active avoidance response to reduce anxiety. Signup and view all the answers

What is the exposure and response prevention treatment of OCD?

ERPT is a combination of flooding and desensitization techniques. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does noncontingent reinforcement have on responding?

It can lead to very ritualistic patterns of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Compare positive punishment and negative punishment.

Positive punishment is the presentation of an aversive stimulus, while negative punishment is the removal of a pleasant experience. Signup and view all the answers

How are negative punishment and extinction similar?

Both result in a decrease in the future strength of a response. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the potential problems of using punishment.

<ol> <li>It does not strengthen adaptive behaviors. 2) May lead to generalized suppression of other behaviors.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Premack Principle

Reinforcement based on the probability of responses rather than needs.
High-probability behavior can reinforce low-probability behavior.
Example: Studying for an hour leads to an hour of Netflix; studying is reinforced by the reward of watching.

Escape and Avoidance Behavior

Escape behavior ends an aversive stimulus (e.g., leaving a loud party).
Avoidance behavior prevents an aversive stimulus (e.g., avoiding presentations due to anxiety).
Both behaviors aim to reduce discomfort caused by stressors.

Compulsive Behavior

Viewed as an active avoidance response to reduce anxiety.
Examples include repetitive actions, like excessive hand-washing.
Compulsive actions provide temporary relief, serving as both avoidance and escape from anxiety.

Exposure and Response Prevention Treatment (ERPT) for OCD

A therapy combining flooding and desensitization.
Gradual exposure helps reduce anxiety while prolonged exposure addresses the fear directly.

Noncontingent Reinforcement

Leads to ritualistic behavior patterns when reinforcement occurs independently of behavior.
Accidental reinforcement causes behaviors to increase in frequency, forming habitual actions.

Positive vs. Negative Punishment

Positive punishment introduces an aversive stimulus after a response to decrease that response's strength.
Negative punishment removes a rewarding experience following a response, also decreasing the response's strength.

Negative Punishment vs. Extinction

Negative punishment involves removing positive stimuli to weaken behaviors.
Extinction weakens conditioned responses by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus.
Key difference: one is about removal (negative punishment) while the other is about non-reinforcement (extinction).

Application of Concepts in Reinforcement/Punishment

Understanding conditioned/unconditioned and intrinsic/extrinsic factors is essential for effective reinforcement and punishment strategies.
Differentiating between natural and contrived consequences can enhance learning outcomes.

Problems with Using Punishment

Punishment doesn’t necessarily promote positive behavior; can suppress harmless behaviors.
It may lead to a general reduction of behaviors, not just the targeted one.
Effects on the punisher's relationship dynamics can be detrimental, with potential for fear or resentment to develop.

Description

Test your knowledge on the Premack Principle and its application to behavior modification. This flashcard set will help you understand how to leverage high-probability behaviors to enhance low-probability actions in various contexts.