Operant Conditioning Class

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Questions and Answers

What defines positive punishment in operant conditioning?

Withdrawal of attention

Introduction of an aversive stimulus after a behavior (correct)

Reinforcement of a desired behavior

Removal of a pleasurable stimulus

Which of the following describes negative punishment?

Introducing distractions during tasks

Using a warning before a consequence

Giving a time-out after misbehavior (correct)

Adding a reward after a behavior

What is the effect of extinction in operant conditioning?

Increased frequency of the behavior

Development of a response generalization

Return of a behavior to baseline when conditioning stops (correct)

Unpredictable reinforcement of responses

Which reinforcement schedule provides rewards after an unpredictable number of responses?

Variable ratio Signup and view all the answers

In the context of operant conditioning, what is shaping?

Rewarding successive approximations of a desired behavior Signup and view all the answers

What type of reinforcer is food considered?

Primary reinforcer Signup and view all the answers

How does the fixed interval schedule affect behavior responses?

Responses are vigorous prior to the time x Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of response generalization?

Similar responses change due to reinforcement or punishment Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of operant conditioning?

To associate a behavior with a consequence Signup and view all the answers

Which law states that behaviors producing favorable consequences are more likely to occur again?

Law of effect Signup and view all the answers

What type of reinforcement involves the introduction of a pleasurable stimulus after a behavior?

Positive reinforcement Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of punishment in operant conditioning?

To decrease the frequency of the behavior Signup and view all the answers

In operant conditioning, what does the term 'antecedents' refer to?

External stimuli that trigger a behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which concept proposes that certain behaviors are easier to evoke than others?

Law of availability Signup and view all the answers

Which researcher is known for expanding on Thorndike’s theories and proposing the concept of operant conditioning?

BF Skinner Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of negative reinforcement in behavior modification?

To remove an aversive stimulus to increase behavior Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning involves learning to associate behaviors with consequences.
Key elements of this process include Antecedents, Behaviors, and Consequences (A-B-C model).

Historical Foundations

Edward Thorndike conducted experiments with cats in “puzzle boxes” to explore learning principles.
Developed key laws of behavior:
- Law of Recency: Most recent responses are likely to reoccur (e.g., choosing a restaurant).
- Law of Availability: Certain behaviors are easier to evoke than others.
- Law of Effect: Behaviors leading to favorable outcomes become more likely, while those with unfavorable outcomes become less likely.
B.F. Skinner expanded on Thorndike's theories through experiments with pigeons and rats, coining the term "operant conditioning."

Types of Reinforcement and Punishment

Reinforcement: Increases future probability of behavior.
- Positive Reinforcement: Introduction of a pleasurable stimulus (e.g., money for homework).
- Negative Reinforcement: Removal of an aversive stimulus (e.g., medication alleviating pain).
Punishment: Decreases the future frequency of behavior.
- Positive Punishment: Introduction of an aversive stimulus (e.g., shock from a bark collar).
- Negative Punishment: Removal of a pleasurable stimulus (e.g., a swear jar).

Key Concepts in Operant Conditioning

Extinction: Return to baseline behavior when reinforcement stops.
Response Generalization: Same behavior increases/decreases due to reinforcement/punishment.
Response Discrimination: Increasing/decreasing only specific responses that were reinforced/punished.

Advanced Operant Conditioning Terms

Shaping: Rewarding successive approximations of a desired behavior.
Primary Reinforcers: Naturally increase likelihood of responses (e.g., food, warmth).
Secondary Reinforcers: Learned reinforcers through classical conditioning (e.g., clicker training for dogs).

Reinforcement Schedules

Continuous Reinforcement: Reinforcement for every response.
Partial/Intermittent Reinforcement: Occasional reinforcement for responses.
- Fixed Ratio: Reinforcement after a set number of responses, leading to high rates but quick extinction once reinforcement stops.
- Variable Ratio: Reinforcement after unpredictable numbers of responses (e.g., gambling), resulting in strong persistence of behavior.
- Fixed Interval: Reinforcement after a specified period, inducing vigorous responses before the time.
- Variable Interval: Reinforcement after unpredictable time intervals, leading to slow and steady responding.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the principles of operant conditioning as discussed in the class led by Dr. Christopher Gade. You'll explore key concepts, goals of behaviorist psychologists, and the contrasts between operant and classical conditioning. Test your knowledge on learning theories and their applications in psychology.